CVE-2009-2485 in HT-MP3Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in HT-MP3Player 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a .ht3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2485 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within HT-MP3Player version 1.0 software. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of .ht3 files, which are used by the media player for storing playlist information and metadata. The flaw occurs when the application processes a specially crafted .ht3 file containing an excessively long string, causing the program to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. Such buffer overflow conditions are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the HT-MP3Player application. When parsing .ht3 files, the software fails to properly verify the length of strings before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This allows attackers to supply malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing a stack overwrite that can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software development practices that violates fundamental memory safety principles. The attack vector is remote, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly concerning for widespread deployment scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain full control over the affected system. Once successfully exploited, an attacker could install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the target environment. The vulnerability affects any system running HT-MP3Player 1.0 and is particularly dangerous in environments where users might unknowingly open maliciously crafted .ht3 files, such as through email attachments, instant messaging, or web downloads. This makes it a prime target for social engineering attacks and automated exploitation campaigns that could affect numerous users across different platforms and organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2485 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches provided by the vendor, although in this case the software appears to be obsolete and no longer supported. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized software, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in legacy applications that may not receive ongoing support or updates.