CVE-2009-2364 in Mp3-Nator
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Mp3-Nator 2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a long string in a .plf file and (2) a long string in the listdata.dat file, possibly related to a track entry.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2364 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Mp3-Nator 2.0 software, a media file management application that processes playlist and track data files. This vulnerability exists within the software's handling of user-supplied data in two specific file formats: the .plf playlist files and the listdata.dat files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the application's parsing routines for these file types, creating exploitable conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of specially crafted malicious strings within the targeted file formats. When Mp3-Nator 2.0 processes these malformed files, the application fails to properly validate the length of strings before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data structures, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers can deliver malicious files through network-based delivery mechanisms without requiring local system access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems running Mp3-Nator 2.0, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted playlist files or where the application automatically processes media metadata from external sources. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential system compromise, data corruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's memory space. Organizations using this software without proper input sanitization measures face potential exploitation by attackers who can leverage the vulnerability to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the affected systems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2009-2364 should focus on immediate software updates from the vendor, input validation enhancements, and network-based security controls. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for playlist files, disable automatic processing of external media metadata, and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the broader category of CWE-119 Improper Access to Memory, and represents a technique commonly used in the initial access phases of cyber attacks as documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and the technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter. Organizations should also consider network segmentation, application whitelisting, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in legacy software applications.