CVE-2009-1660 in ViPlay3
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in URUWorks ViPlay3 3.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long file entry in a .vpl file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1660 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within URUWorks ViPlay3 version 3.0 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of file entries within .vpl playlist files, which are used by the ViPlay3 media player application. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of file entries before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers during playlist parsing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious .vpl file containing an excessively long file entry that exceeds the allocated stack buffer size. When the vulnerable ViPlay3 application attempts to parse this malformed playlist file, the buffer overflow condition manifests as stack corruption that typically results in application crash or termination. However, the vulnerability's potential extends beyond simple denial of service, as the stack corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application process, presenting a significant security risk.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices that violate secure coding principles and are commonly exploited in various attack scenarios. From an operational perspective, the vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous as attackers can deliver malicious .vpl files through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites without requiring local access to the target system.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system compromise to include potential privilege escalation and persistent access exploitation. Attackers can leverage the buffer overflow to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data structures, potentially allowing them to redirect execution flow to malicious code. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers might execute malicious payloads through compromised applications. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of URUWorks ViPlay3, making it particularly concerning for environments where legacy media applications remain in use.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1660 include immediate patching of affected ViPlay3 installations to version 3.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially compromised systems, while also monitoring for suspicious .vpl file downloads or execution patterns. Additionally, application whitelisting policies can prevent execution of unauthorized media player versions, and regular security assessments should verify that no vulnerable installations remain within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing robust input validation mechanisms in media processing applications to prevent similar stack-based buffer overflow exploits.