CVE-2009-4964 in Ksp Sound Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in KSP 2006 FINAL allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string in a .M3U playlist file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4964 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting KSP 2006 FINAL media player software. This vulnerability resides within the handling of .M3U playlist files, which are commonly used for organizing and playing multimedia content in various audio and video applications. The flaw manifests when the application processes a maliciously crafted .M3U file containing an excessively long string, causing the software to write beyond the allocated memory buffer on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed .M3U playlist file that contains a string exceeding the buffer capacity allocated by the KSP 2006 FINAL application. When the media player attempts to parse this malformed playlist, the excessive input causes a stack overflow condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to overwrite return addresses and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running application. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local access or user interaction beyond opening the malicious playlist file, making it a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203 for legitimate program execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected system where the vulnerable KSP 2006 FINAL application is installed. The stack overflow can potentially be exploited to gain elevated privileges, escalate access rights, and establish persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where users might encounter untrusted .M3U playlist files through email attachments, file sharing networks, or malicious websites. The attack scenario typically involves social engineering elements where users unknowingly open malicious playlist files, triggering the buffer overflow condition and enabling remote code execution. Organizations using this software in enterprise environments face significant risk, as the vulnerability could serve as an initial access point for more extensive attacks, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement within network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4964 should include immediate software updates from the vendor to address the buffer overflow vulnerability, as well as network-level controls to prevent execution of potentially malicious .M3U files from untrusted sources. System administrators should implement strict file type restrictions and content validation for playlist files, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted media content. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable KSP 2006 FINAL software within the organization's infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized media players and ensure that all software installations are from trusted sources and regularly updated with security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications handling user-supplied data in media processing environments.