CVE-2011-1574 in libmodplug
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the ReadS3M method in load_s3m.cpp in libmodplug before 0.8.8.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted S3M file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1574 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the libmodplug library version 0.8.8.1 and earlier. This issue resides in the ReadS3M method implementation within the load_s3m.cpp source file, which processes S3M (Scream Tracker 3 Module) audio files. The flaw specifically manifests when the library attempts to parse malformed S3M files, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking during the parsing of S3M file structures, particularly in how the library handles module header information and pattern data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue where data written to a stack buffer exceeds the buffer's allocated size.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsers, media players, or any application that utilizes libmodplug for audio file processing. Attackers can craft malicious S3M files that trigger the buffer overflow when loaded by vulnerable software, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly broad given that libmodplug is widely used in multimedia applications, music players, and game engines that support MOD audio formats. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution, and specifically demonstrates how buffer overflow conditions can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system control. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be triggered through user interaction with malicious media files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently download and play audio content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1574 require immediate patching of affected libmodplug installations to version 0.8.8.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications utilizing vulnerable versions of libmodplug, including but not limited to music players, game engines, and multimedia frameworks. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sandboxing mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves adding proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation before processing S3M file data, ensuring that buffer sizes are adequately verified against input parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and application whitelisting policies to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust software security practices throughout the development lifecycle to prevent such memory corruption issues from being introduced into production systems.