CVE-2009-3058 in akPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in akPlayer 1.9.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a .plt playlist file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3058 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within akPlayer version 1.9.0, a media player application that processes playlist files in the .plt format. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing user-supplied data within the playlist parsing functionality, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program's stack. The flaw specifically manifests when the application encounters a particularly long string within a .plt playlist file, which exceeds the allocated buffer size and triggers unauthorized memory modification.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a remote attack vector, meaning that an attacker can deliver malicious payload without requiring local system access. The .plt playlist format serves as the attack surface where the malicious string is embedded, and when akPlayer attempts to parse this file, the insufficient buffer size validation causes the program to write beyond the intended memory boundaries. This overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running application process. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of software flaws in cybersecurity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway to gain complete system compromise. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow could enable an attacker to execute malicious code remotely, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, privilege escalation, or even complete system takeover. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond the mere opening of the malicious playlist file, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where users might encounter such files through email attachments, web downloads, or network shares. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for environments where akPlayer is used in corporate or government settings, as it could be leveraged for targeted attacks against critical infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching or upgrading to a version of akPlayer that contains fixed buffer overflow protections and proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also deploy network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious playlist file patterns and consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted media player applications. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening playlist files from untrusted sources, and administrators should conduct regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of the software. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, highlighting the broader attack surface that such flaws can expose in software applications.