CVE-2010-2009 in BS.Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the media library in BS.Global BS.Player 2.51 build 1022, 2.41 build 1003, and possibly other versions allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long ID3 tag in a .MP3 file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2009 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the media library component of BS.Global BS.Player software versions 2.51 build 1022 and 2.41 build 1003, with potential impacts extending to other affected versions. This vulnerability operates through a user-assisted remote attack vector that leverages malformed ID3 metadata within MP3 audio files to achieve arbitrary code execution. The flaw resides in how the media player processes and handles ID3 tags, which are metadata containers embedded within MP3 files that typically store information such as song titles, artist names, album details, and other audio metadata. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the player encounters an excessively long ID3 tag that exceeds the allocated buffer space in memory, causing a stack overflow condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the bounds of a fixed-length stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function parameters. This particular implementation involves the player's media library component failing to properly validate or limit the length of ID3 tag data during file parsing operations, allowing attackers to craft specially designed MP3 files containing oversized ID3 metadata fields. The attack requires user interaction since the victim must open the malicious file through the vulnerable player application, making it a user-assisted remote code execution vulnerability rather than a fully autonomous exploit. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow means that the attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting the stack frame, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or complete system compromise depending on the execution context.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2009 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant security risk for users who frequently consume media content through vulnerable versions of BS.Player. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious email attachments, compromised websites hosting malicious MP3 files, or peer-to-peer file sharing networks where users might unknowingly download infected media files. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MP3 files are universally recognized media formats, making this vulnerability potentially widespread and easily exploitable across different user demographics. The exploitation process typically involves crafting an MP3 file with an oversized ID3 tag that, when processed by the vulnerable player, triggers the buffer overflow condition, potentially leading to denial of service, unauthorized code execution, or complete system compromise. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute commands through the compromised media player application, potentially providing a foothold for further attacks within the network environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2009 primarily involve immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as well as operational security measures to prevent users from encountering malicious media files. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for media content, particularly when dealing with user-generated or external content, and consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious MP3 file characteristics. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping media player software updated, as this particular flaw was likely addressed in subsequent releases of BS.Player through proper buffer length validation and input sanitization measures. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from untrusted sources, and system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of known vulnerable applications until proper patches are applied. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in multimedia applications and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation and buffer management in all software components that process external data streams.