CVE-2010-3441 in abcm2ps
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in abcm2ps before 5.9.12 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted input file, related to the PUT0 and PUT1 output macros; (2) a crafted input file, related to the trim_title function; and possibly (3) a long -O option on a command line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The CVE-2010-3441 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the abcm2ps music notation conversion tool, which is widely used for converting abc notation files into various musical formats. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 5.9.12 and presents multiple attack vectors that could potentially lead to remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for systems that process untrusted input files. The abcm2ps utility is commonly employed in music education and composition environments where users might receive abc notation files from external sources, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the abcm2ps application, specifically manifesting as buffer overflow conditions in three distinct code paths. The first vector involves crafted input files that exploit the PUT0 and PUT1 output macros, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory buffers. The second vulnerability occurs in the trim_title function, which fails to properly validate input lengths when processing title strings from abc files. The third potential vector involves command-line arguments, particularly the -O option, where overly long parameter values can trigger buffer overflow conditions. These buffer overflows occur because the application does not perform adequate input validation or memory boundary checks before writing data to fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3441 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as these buffer overflows can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. Attackers could craft malicious abc files that, when processed by abcm2ps, would trigger the buffer overflow conditions and potentially allow remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. This represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability, which aligns with CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, and potentially CWE-787, Out-of-bounds Write. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where abcm2ps is used in web applications or automated processing systems that accept user-uploaded files, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these vulnerabilities exist in widely distributed software, making them attractive targets for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3441 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, upgrading to abcm2ps version 5.9.12 or later where these buffer overflows have been resolved. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that restrict the size and format of abc files processed by abcm2ps, particularly in environments where untrusted input is expected. Network-based defenses could include filtering or rejecting abc files from untrusted sources, while application-level protections might involve implementing sandboxing techniques or using alternative tools that have been audited for similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices, which are fundamental to the principles outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and Defense Evasion. System administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the buffer overflow conditions could be detected through careful analysis of system behavior and resource utilization.