CVE-2009-1437 in CoolPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in PortableApps CoolPlayer Portable (aka CoolPlayer+ Portable) 2.19.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a malformed playlist (.m3u) file. NOTE: this may overlap CVE-2008-3408.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1437 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within PortableApps CoolPlayer Portable version 2.19.1 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes malformed playlist files with extended string content, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The flaw resides in the application's inadequate input validation mechanisms when handling playlist data, particularly within the m3u file format processing component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the CoolPlayer+ Portable application's playlist parsing functionality. When a maliciously crafted m3u file containing an excessively long string is loaded, the application fails to validate the input length before copying data onto the stack. This lack of proper boundary verification allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially corrupting the return address and other critical execution context information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient checks on input data length result in memory corruption that can be leveraged for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing networks. Attackers can craft specially designed playlist files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, trigger the buffer overflow condition and subsequently execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This represents a significant threat to enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious files, and the vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in automated or unattended systems that process playlist files automatically.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability overlaps with CVE-2008-3408, indicating a possible regression or similar underlying flaw in the application's codebase that was not properly addressed in the version update. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the widespread use of playlist files in media applications and the ease with which attackers can distribute malicious files through common channels. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including application whitelisting, network segmentation, and user education about avoiding untrusted playlist files. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation requires the execution of malicious code through legitimate application interfaces. The remediation strategy should focus on applying vendor patches, implementing input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.