CVE-2009-4201 in Mp3 Tag Assistance Professional
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in Mp3 Tag Assistant Professional 2.92 build 300 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an MP3 file with a long string in the (1) ID3v1, (2) ID3v2, or (3) APEv2 metadata field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4201 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Mp3 Tag Assistant Professional version 2.92 build 300. This vulnerability resides in the software's handling of audio file metadata, specifically within the ID3v1, ID3v2, and APEv2 tagging formats that are commonly used to store information about mp3 files. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation when processing these metadata fields, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered by maliciously crafted audio files. According to the common weakness enumeration standard CWE-121, this vulnerability falls under stack-based buffer overflow conditions where attacker-controlled data is copied into a fixed-length buffer on the stack without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack pattern described in the attack tree framework where an attacker can manipulate input data to cause memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Mp3 Tag Assistant Professional application processes an mp3 file containing an excessively long string within any of the three supported metadata formats. During the parsing process, the application fails to validate the length of the incoming data before copying it into fixed-size stack buffers. This allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the victim user. The three distinct attack vectors correspond to the three different metadata formats that the software supports, expanding the potential attack surface. Each format contains specific field structures that can be manipulated to trigger the overflow condition, making the vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited through any of these metadata formats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant risk to user systems and data integrity. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently process or download mp3 files from untrusted sources, as the attack can be executed simply by opening a maliciously crafted file. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no special privileges to trigger and can be delivered through common file sharing mechanisms. This makes it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems through social engineering or automated attacks against vulnerable applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4201 should focus on immediate software updates and input validation improvements. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of Mp3 Tag Assistant Professional that addresses the buffer overflow conditions in all three metadata handling components. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as restricting file processing capabilities for untrusted files, implementing strict input validation for metadata fields, and employing sandboxing techniques to isolate vulnerable applications. Network-level protections including content filtering and email scanning can help prevent malicious files from reaching end users. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 and its potential for privilege escalation aligns with the attack techniques documented in the attack pattern framework, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of vulnerable software versions and ensure that all multimedia processing applications maintain proper bounds checking mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.