CVE-2010-20111 in Digital Music Pad
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2025
Digital Music Pad v8.2.3.3.4 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in its playlist file parser. When opening a .pls file containing an excessively long string in the File1 field, the application fails to properly validate input length, resulting in corruption of the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) on the stack. This flaw may allow an attacker to control execution flow when the file is opened, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-20111 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Digital Music Pad version 8.2.3.3.4, specifically affecting its playlist file parsing functionality. This issue manifests when the application processes .pls files, which are playlist formats commonly used in multimedia applications to store lists of audio files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the software's parser, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted playlist files can trigger memory corruption. The flaw resides in how the application handles the File1 field within these playlist structures, where excessively long string inputs are not properly constrained or sanitized before processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through stack-based buffer overflow conditions that directly compromise the application's structured exception handling mechanism. When a maliciously constructed .pls file containing an overly long string in the File1 field is opened, the buffer overflow corrupts the Structured Exception Handler (SEH) on the stack, which is a critical component responsible for managing exception handling within the Windows operating system. This corruption fundamentally disrupts the normal execution flow of the application, as the SEH chain becomes compromised and can no longer properly manage exceptions. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, presenting significant security risks that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious .pls playlist files that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, will cause the application to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the software. This represents a classic privilege escalation scenario where the initial attack vector targets a multimedia application, but the exploitation can potentially lead to system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through simple file opening operations, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of Digital Music Pad that properly validates input lengths and implements proper bounds checking for all playlist file fields. Additionally, system administrators should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of potentially vulnerable applications, particularly in enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted playlist files. Network-level defenses should include content filtering mechanisms that can identify and block suspicious .pls files, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management practices, which are fundamental principles in secure software development and align with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-160 guidelines for secure coding practices.