CVE-2009-1641 in Ripper
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Mini-stream Ripper 3.0.1.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long rtsp URL in a .ram file and (2) a long string in the HREF attribute of a REF element in a .asx file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1641 affects Mini-stream Ripper version 3.0.1.1 and represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow issue that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors involving malformed media playlist files that the application processes. The first vector occurs when a maliciously crafted rtsp URL exceeding the buffer capacity is included within a .ram file format, while the second vector exploits a similar overflow condition in the HREF attribute of REF elements found within .asx files. Both attack scenarios leverage the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms to overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical flaw stems from improper bounds checking in the parsing routines responsible for processing streaming media playlist formats. When Mini-stream Ripper encounters a .ram file containing an excessively long rtsp URL, or an .asx file with an overly lengthy HREF attribute, the application's internal buffer allocation fails to validate the input length against predetermined limits. This deficiency creates a stack-based buffer overflow condition where the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and overwriting return addresses or other critical execution pointers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it leverages a client-side application vulnerability to achieve remote code execution through crafted media playlist files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to system resources, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malicious software. The vulnerability affects systems running Mini-stream Ripper 3.0.1.1 and potentially other versions that utilize similar parsing logic for handling .ram and .asx files. Given that these playlist formats are commonly used for streaming media content, the attack surface is broad, encompassing users who might unknowingly download or open maliciously crafted media files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring physical access or local user interaction beyond opening the vulnerable application with maliciously formatted files. Organizations relying on this software for media streaming or downloading activities face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted media content from web sources or peer-to-peer networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1641 should focus on immediate software updates and input validation improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of Mini-stream Ripper that addresses the buffer overflow conditions in both .ram and .asx file processing routines. System administrators should implement network-level controls to block or sanitize media playlist files from untrusted sources, particularly those originating from web applications or peer-to-peer networks. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple levels including application boundary checks, length validation for URL and attribute fields, and implementation of proper memory management practices. Additional protective measures include restricting user privileges when running media applications, implementing application whitelisting policies, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file content patterns. Security monitoring should focus on detecting attempts to access or execute applications with malformed media files, and regular security assessments should verify that patched versions are properly deployed across all affected systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in multimedia applications, particularly those handling external content from potentially malicious sources.