CVE-2009-1817 in Maya
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in DigiMode Maya 1.0.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a malformed (1) .m3u or (2) .m3l playlist file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1817 represents a critical security flaw in DigiMode Maya version 1.0.2, specifically targeting media playlist processing functionality. This vulnerability manifests through buffer overflow conditions that occur when the application processes malformed playlist files with excessively long string inputs. The affected file formats include both .m3u and .m3l playlist extensions, which are commonly used in multimedia applications for organizing and managing audio and video content. These playlist files typically contain references to media files and associated metadata, making them integral components of media playback systems across various platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the playlist parsing routines of DigiMode Maya. When the application encounters a malformed playlist file containing an excessively long string, the buffer management mechanisms fail to properly handle the data length, leading to memory corruption. This buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and executable code segments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution without requiring local system access, making it an attractive target for network-based attacks. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the multimedia processing stack where playlist files are interpreted and executed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users of DigiMode Maya 1.0.2 across multiple deployment scenarios. Attackers could craft malicious playlist files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, would trigger the buffer overflow and provide remote code execution capabilities. This threat model aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack tactics and techniques framework, specifically relating to initial access and execution phases. The vulnerability could be exploited through various delivery mechanisms including email attachments, web downloads, or network shares. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures where media playback applications are widely deployed. Organizations relying on DigiMode Maya for media management, broadcasting, or entertainment services face substantial risk of unauthorized access, data compromise, and system control.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious playlist files. Input validation measures and boundary checking should be implemented at multiple levels including application firewalls and network intrusion detection systems. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and script interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for playlist file processing and establishing robust monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in legacy multimedia applications and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.