CVE-2009-5109 in Ripper
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Mini-Stream Ripper 3.0.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long entry in a .pls file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-5109 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw discovered in Mini-Stream Ripper version 3.0.1.1. This software application, designed for downloading and converting internet radio streams, contains a fundamental programming error that creates an exploitable condition when processing specially crafted playlist files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application encounters a malformed entry within a .pls file format, which is commonly used for internet radio station playlists. The buffer overflow occurs due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking during the parsing of playlist entries, allowing malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of string data within the application's playlist parsing routine. When Mini-Stream Ripper processes a .pls file containing an excessively long entry field, the software fails to enforce proper buffer size limitations before copying the data into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for remote code execution, as attackers can carefully craft malicious playlist files that cause the application to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it represents a significant security risk for users who regularly download and play internet radio streams. Attackers can exploit this weakness by hosting malicious .pls files on web servers or distributing them through compromised websites, allowing them to remotely compromise systems running the vulnerable software without requiring any user interaction beyond opening the malicious playlist. The vulnerability affects systems where Mini-Stream Ripper is installed and actively processes playlist files, potentially providing attackers with persistent access to victim machines. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common attack vector that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates how multimedia applications that process external data formats can become attack vectors for remote exploitation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that .pls files are commonly used for internet radio streaming and are often automatically processed by media applications. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability can be exploited through the ATT&CK technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The lack of input sanitization in the playlist parser creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject shellcode or other malicious payloads. Organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and ensure that all multimedia applications are kept up to date with security patches. The vulnerability underscores the importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege when processing external data formats, as recommended by industry best practices for secure software development.