CVE-2009-1356 in Elecard AVC HD Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Elecard AVC HD Player allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long MP3 filename in a playlist (.xpl) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1356 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Elecard AVC HD Player software, a multimedia application designed for handling high-definition video content. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the player processes playlist files with extension .xpl, which contain references to MP3 audio files. The flaw occurs during the parsing of these playlist files, where the application fails to properly validate the length of MP3 filename strings before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can craft a malicious playlist file containing an excessively long MP3 filename that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack overflow pattern where the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program execution elements such as return addresses, saved registers, or other control data. When the application attempts to process a playlist file with a specially crafted long MP3 filename, the buffer overflow corrupts the stack memory structure, allowing remote attackers to manipulate the program flow and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and memory management practices. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local access or user interaction beyond the simple act of opening a malicious playlist file, making it highly suitable for remote exploitation scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running Elecard AVC HD Player. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems where the player is used to process untrusted playlist files, which could include media servers, content distribution platforms, or any environment where users might encounter malicious playlist content. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multimedia content is frequently shared across networks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution, demonstrating how such flaws can serve as initial access points in broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1356 should prioritize immediate remediation through official software updates provided by Elecard, as this vulnerability has been recognized and patched by the vendor. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of affected systems and establish strict content validation policies for playlist files, particularly those received from untrusted sources. Input validation controls should be strengthened to enforce maximum filename length limits and sanitize all playlist file contents before processing. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting solutions that restrict the execution of unauthorized multimedia players and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual file processing activities. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other multimedia applications, as this class of flaw remains prevalent in legacy software implementations and represents a common attack surface for remote code execution exploits. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those recommended in the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards, particularly in buffer management and input validation procedures, to prevent similar issues from occurring in future software development cycles.