CVE-2009-1944 in AIMP
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in AIMP 2.51 build 330 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an MP3 file with a long ID3 tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1944 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in AIMP multimedia player version 2.51 build 330. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of MP3 files, specifically when processing ID3 metadata tags that contain excessive amounts of data. The flaw occurs during the parsing of audio file headers where the software fails to properly validate the length of ID3 tag content before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This insufficient input validation creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can craft a malicious MP3 file with an oversized ID3 tag that exceeds the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack-based buffer overflow pattern where the application's MP3 parser does not enforce bounds checking on ID3 tag data. When AIMP processes a malformed MP3 file containing an excessively long ID3 tag, the software copies this data directly onto the stack without verifying that it fits within the predetermined buffer limits. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and control data, which can be manipulated to redirect program execution to malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal media playback operations, making it accessible to remote attackers who can distribute malicious MP3 files via web downloads, email attachments, or peer-to-peer networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1944 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it represents a significant threat to end-user security and system integrity. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain complete control over affected systems, potentially installing malware, stealing sensitive data, or establishing persistent backdoors. The remote exploit nature of this flaw means that users do not need to actively interact with malicious content to be compromised, as simply opening or playing the crafted MP3 file can trigger the vulnerability. This makes the attack vector particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently download media content from untrusted sources or where automatic playback features are enabled. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Windows systems running AIMP 2.51 build 330, making it a significant concern for both individual users and enterprise environments that may have the application installed.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification, which specifically addresses issues where data is copied to a stack buffer without proper bounds checking. This weakness falls under the broader category of memory safety vulnerabilities that have been extensively documented in the cybersecurity community and are commonly targeted by exploit frameworks. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including execution through malicious files, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms that attackers can leverage once initial access is achieved. The exploitability of this flaw is enhanced by the fact that AIMP is a widely used media player application, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise end-user systems through common media consumption activities. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, network-based intrusion detection systems, and user education about avoiding untrusted media content to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia applications, particularly those that process user-supplied content without adequate sanitization. The flaw highlights the need for developers to implement robust bounds checking mechanisms and to conduct thorough security testing of file parsing components, especially for applications that handle user-generated or externally sourced content. The widespread use of AIMP at the time of discovery amplified the potential impact of this vulnerability, underscoring the responsibility of software vendors to maintain security standards and provide timely updates to address discovered weaknesses in their products.