CVE-2009-0698 in xine-lib
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the 4xm demuxer (demuxers/demux_4xm.c) in xine-lib 1.1.16.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a 4X movie file with a large current_track value, a similar issue to CVE-2009-0385.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0698 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the 4xm demuxer component of xine-lib version 1.1.16.1. This issue resides in the demuxers/demux_4xm.c file and demonstrates a classic software security weakness that can lead to severe consequences including system crashes and potential remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing 4X movie files containing a large current_track value, creating a scenario where integer arithmetic operations exceed their maximum representable values and wrap around to unexpected results. The flaw is particularly concerning as it shares similarities with CVE-2009-0385, indicating a broader pattern of integer overflow vulnerabilities within the same software component. The 4xm demuxer is responsible for parsing and extracting audio and video data from 4X multimedia files, which are commonly used in various entertainment applications and media players. When a maliciously crafted 4X movie file is processed, the integer overflow causes unpredictable behavior in the application's memory management and data handling routines, leading to system instability. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains including software security, memory corruption, and remote exploitation techniques. The integer overflow occurs during the parsing phase when the demuxer attempts to calculate buffer sizes or array indices based on the current_track value, which can be manipulated by an attacker to trigger the overflow condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling arbitrary code execution in vulnerable systems. When the integer overflow occurs, it can corrupt memory structures, overwrite critical program variables, or manipulate pointers in ways that allow attackers to redirect program execution flow. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where xine-lib is used as a media processing component within larger applications or systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the flaw without requiring local access to the target system, making it suitable for widespread attacks against systems that process 4X multimedia files. The flaw affects systems running xine-lib 1.1.16.1 and potentially earlier versions, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not updated their multimedia processing libraries. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique of "Memory Corruption" under the broader category of "Execution" and "Persistence" tactics. The vulnerability's classification as an integer overflow directly maps to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and memory corruption. This particular flaw represents a common pattern in multimedia processing libraries where input validation is insufficient to handle malformed or malicious data, particularly in components that perform complex parsing operations on binary file formats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0698 should prioritize immediate patching of affected xine-lib installations to version 1.1.16.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the integer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation procedures that check for reasonable bounds on the current_track value and other parameters before processing 4X multimedia files. Network security measures including content filtering and sandboxing of multimedia file processing should be deployed to prevent untrusted files from reaching vulnerable systems. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for unusual processing patterns or crashes in multimedia applications that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of multimedia libraries and components should be conducted to identify similar integer overflow vulnerabilities in other parts of the software stack. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in input validation and arithmetic operations within multimedia processing frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of vulnerable libraries and reduce the window of exposure. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in legitimate media processing functionality while effectively addressing the integer overflow condition.