CVE-2010-4370 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the in_midi plugin in Winamp before 5.6 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted MIDI file that triggers a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4370 represents a critical security flaw in the Winamp media player software, specifically within its in_midi plugin component. This issue affects Winamp versions prior to 5.6 and constitutes a classic integer overflow vulnerability that can be exploited remotely to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of MIDI file data, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted MIDI files can trigger buffer overflow conditions that compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the in_midi plugin's failure to properly validate integer values when processing MIDI file structures. When a specially crafted MIDI file is loaded, the plugin performs calculations that result in integer overflows, causing memory allocation decisions to be corrupted. This overflow condition manifests as a buffer overflow, where the plugin attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The flaw occurs during the parsing of MIDI header information and track data, where integer variables representing array sizes or buffer lengths are manipulated beyond their valid ranges, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged by attackers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users who may unknowingly open malicious MIDI files from untrusted sources. Attackers can craft MIDI files that, when processed by vulnerable Winamp versions, will cause the application to crash or more dangerously, execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Winamp. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, as they can deliver malicious files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing networks. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands on compromised systems.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could be chained with other exploits to achieve more sophisticated attacks. Users who regularly process multimedia content or download files from the internet are particularly at risk, as MIDI files were commonly used for music and sound effects in various applications and games. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the widespread use of Winamp in both personal and enterprise environments, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or execute malicious payloads. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including patching to Winamp version 5.6 or later, disabling the in_midi plugin for untrusted content, and implementing network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted multimedia file sources and the potential risks associated with opening files from unknown origins.