CVE-2009-2617 in Storm
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in medialib.dll in BaoFeng Storm 3.9.62 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long pathname in the source attribute of an item element in a .smpl playlist file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2617 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the medialib.dll component of BaoFeng Storm version 3.9.62. This vulnerability exists in the processing of playlist files, specifically when handling the source attribute of item elements within .smpl files. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly bounds-check the length of pathnames provided in the source attribute, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the allocated bounds of a stack buffer, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to craft a malicious .smpl playlist file containing an excessively long pathname within the source attribute of an item element. When the vulnerable BaoFeng Storm application processes this malformed playlist file, the insufficient bounds checking in medialib.dll causes the buffer overflow to occur during the parsing operation. The overflow can overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data, allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on the target system. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where playlist files might be automatically downloaded or processed.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2617 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the victim's system, potentially enabling them to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability affects users who process playlist files from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where users might encounter malicious .smpl files in email attachments, web downloads, or shared network locations. The attack surface is broad as playlist files are commonly used in multimedia applications and can be encountered in various contexts including legitimate media playback scenarios. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of systems running affected versions of BaoFeng Storm, as successful exploitation can result in system crashes, unauthorized access, and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2617 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected BaoFeng Storm application to version 3.9.63 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation policies for all playlist file processing, including length restrictions on pathname attributes and comprehensive bounds checking mechanisms. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious .smpl files before they reach end-user systems. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of processing untrusted playlist files from unknown sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices including proper buffer management and input validation, as outlined in industry standards such as the CERT C Secure Coding Standard and OWASP Top Ten. System hardening measures including stack protection mechanisms, address space layout randomization, and DEP (Data Execution Prevention) should be enabled to reduce the effectiveness of exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other multimedia applications and systems.