CVE-2009-0490 in Audacity
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the String_parse::get_nonspace_quoted function in lib-src/allegro/strparse.cpp in Audacity 1.2.6 and other versions before 1.3.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a .gro file containing a long string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0490 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Audacity audio editing software suite. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 1.3.6 and resides in the String_parse::get_nonspace_quoted function located in the lib-src/allegro/strparse.cpp source file. The flaw manifests when processing .gro files, which are used for storing audio project data and contain various string elements that the application parses during loading operations. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow indicates that the flaw occurs when a program writes more data to a fixed-length buffer allocated on the stack than the buffer can accommodate, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and other critical program state information.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves attackers crafting malicious .gro files containing excessively long strings that trigger the buffer overflow condition during parsing operations. When Audacity attempts to parse these malformed strings, the get_nonspace_quoted function fails to properly validate string length limits before copying data into stack-allocated buffers. This failure creates a condition where the program's execution flow can be manipulated by an attacker who controls the input data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that an attacker can deliver malicious .gro files through network-based attack vectors without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web-based audio project sharing or collaborative environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0490 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable full system compromise. While the primary effect is a crash that terminates the Audacity application, the buffer overflow nature suggests that sophisticated attackers could leverage this weakness to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running Audacity. This represents a significant security risk in environments where users might inadvertently open malicious audio project files or when Audacity is used in automated processing environments. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also organizations that rely on Audacity for audio production workflows, particularly in collaborative settings where project files are shared across networks.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter execution. The flaw represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in parsing functions, where string length checks are inadequate to prevent buffer overflows. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability exists in versions spanning multiple releases and has remained unpatched for years. The remediation strategy involves updating to Audacity version 1.3.6 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement file validation policies that restrict the types of files accepted in shared environments and consider network-level filtering to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious .gro files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in parsing functions and the need for regular security updates to address known buffer overflow vulnerabilities in widely-used software applications.