CVE-2011-10008 in Lite
Summary
by MITRE • 07/31/2025
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in MPlayer Lite r33064 due to improper bounds checking when handling M3U playlist files containing long http:// URL entries. An attacker can craft a malicious .m3u file with a specially formatted URL that triggers a stack overflow when processed by the player, particularly via drag-and-drop interaction. This flaw allows for control of the execution flow through SEH overwrite and a DEP bypass using a ROP chain that leverages known gadgets in loaded DLLs. Successful exploitation may result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-10008 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in MPlayer Lite version r33064 that demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management practices. This issue specifically manifests when the media player processes M3U playlist files containing excessively long http:// URL entries, exposing a dangerous condition where the application fails to properly enforce bounds checking on user-supplied data. The vulnerability operates through a well-defined attack vector that exploits the player's handling of drag-and-drop operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through seemingly benign user interactions. The flaw resides in the application's inability to validate the length of URL entries before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers, creating a predictable overflow condition that can be systematically exploited.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack overflow exploitation pattern that aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory. When a maliciously crafted M3U file containing an overly long URL is processed, the application's buffer management fails to detect the overflow condition, resulting in corruption of the stack frame. The exploitation technique leverages structured exception handling (SEH) overwrite mechanisms as outlined in the attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework, where attackers manipulate the exception handling chain to redirect program execution. This approach bypasses traditional security mitigations by carefully crafting the overflow to overwrite the SEH frame pointer and redirect execution flow to malicious code locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple arbitrary code execution to represent a complete compromise of system security, as the exploit can be delivered through social engineering tactics involving crafted playlist files that appear legitimate to users. The DEP (Data Execution Prevention) bypass achieved through ROP (Return Oriented Programming) chain construction demonstrates sophisticated exploitation techniques that leverage existing code gadgets within loaded DLLs, making the attack more reliable and harder to detect. This approach to bypassing modern security mechanisms aligns with advanced persistent threat patterns described in enterprise security frameworks, where attackers systematically work around memory protection features to maintain long-term access. The privilege escalation aspect of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation results in code execution with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, potentially providing attackers with access to sensitive data, system resources, and the ability to establish persistent backdoors.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on multiple layers of defense to protect against both the immediate exploitation and potential variants. Immediate remediation involves updating to patched versions of MPlayer Lite that implement proper bounds checking and input validation for URL entries in playlist files. The implementation of stack canaries, ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization), and DEP/NX bit protections should be enforced to make exploitation more difficult and detectable. Organizations should also implement strict file type validation and user education programs to prevent the accidental execution of malicious playlist files. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent the delivery of malicious M3U files through web-based attack vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive input validation, particularly when handling untrusted data from external sources. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in multimedia applications and other software components that process user-supplied data, ensuring that the security posture remains robust against evolving exploitation techniques.