CVE-2009-1274 in xine-lib
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the qt_error parse_trak_atom function in demuxers/demux_qt.c in xine-lib 1.1.16.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a Quicktime movie file with a large count value in an STTS atom, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1274 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the xine-lib multimedia framework that affects versions 1.1.16.2 and earlier. This flaw exists in the qt_error parse_trak_atom function located in the demuxers/demux_qt.c file, which is responsible for parsing QuickTime movie files. The vulnerability specifically targets the STTS (Sample Table Time-to-Sample) atom within QuickTime container format files, where an attacker can craft a malicious movie file containing an excessively large count value that triggers unexpected behavior in the parsing logic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling within the media demuxing process. When the parse_trak_atom function processes the STTS atom, it fails to properly validate the count field value, allowing an integer overflow condition to occur. This overflow results in a heap-based buffer overflow when the application attempts to allocate memory for processing the malformed atom data. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-190, which identifies integer overflow vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of xine-lib. This presents a significant security risk for multimedia applications and systems that process untrusted QuickTime content, including web browsers, media players, and content delivery systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious QuickTime movie files that, when opened by vulnerable applications, trigger the buffer overflow condition and potentially allow remote code execution with the privileges of the affected application.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in applications to execute arbitrary code. The attack vector requires a user to open a malicious QuickTime file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted media content. Systems running xine-lib versions prior to 1.1.16.3 are particularly vulnerable, as this specific version contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow condition. Organizations should prioritize updating their xine-lib installations and implementing proper input validation for media file parsing to mitigate this threat. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust memory management and input validation in multimedia frameworks, as these components often handle untrusted data from external sources without adequate sanitization measures.