CVE-2010-2089 in Python
Summary
by MITRE
The audioop module in Python 2.7 and 3.2 does not verify the relationships between size arguments and byte string lengths, which allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) via crafted arguments, as demonstrated by a call to audioop.reverse with a one-byte string, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-1634.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2089 resides within Python's audioop module, a component designed for audio processing operations that handles audio data manipulation through various functions including reverse, add, and mul. This flaw represents a classic buffer overread condition where the module fails to validate the relationship between size parameters and the actual length of byte string inputs. The issue affects Python versions 2.7 and 3.2, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of these versions in production environments. When attackers provide malformed arguments to functions like audioop.reverse, the module processes these inputs without proper boundary checking, leading to memory corruption that can result in application crashes or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the audioop module's internal processing logic. Specifically, when audioop.reverse is called with a one-byte string as demonstrated in the exploit, the module attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a variant of buffer overread conditions that can lead to memory corruption. The vulnerability operates in a context-dependent manner, meaning that exploitation requires specific conditions and crafted inputs that trigger the flawed code path. Unlike CVE-2010-1634 which involved different attack vectors, this vulnerability specifically targets the audioop module's handling of byte string boundaries, making it distinct in both its attack surface and execution mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2089 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack scenarios within systems that process audio data through Python applications. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause denial of service conditions that may be leveraged by attackers to disrupt services or potentially escalate privileges in systems where audio processing is a legitimate function. The memory corruption resulting from this flaw can manifest as application instability, unexpected termination, or in more severe cases, could provide opportunities for further exploitation if the corrupted memory contains executable code or critical system data. Organizations running Python applications that utilize audio processing capabilities are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be triggered through seemingly benign input processing operations that are common in multimedia applications, web services, or audio editing software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2089 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of Python where the audioop module has been corrected to properly validate input parameters against buffer boundaries. System administrators should prioritize updating Python installations to versions that contain the relevant security patches, typically found in Python 2.7.1 and 3.2.1 releases or later. Additionally, input validation measures should be implemented at application layers that process audio data, including explicit checks on string lengths and size parameters before passing them to audioop functions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious inputs that could trigger this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, emphasizing the need for both defensive measures and monitoring of system stability indicators that might signal exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on buffer handling and input validation practices should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in custom audio processing applications or third-party modules that may interact with the affected Python components.