CVE-2011-2696 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in libsndfile before 1.0.25 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PARIS Audio Format (PAF) file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2696 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the libsndfile library version 1.0.24 and earlier. This library serves as a comprehensive audio file format handling component widely used across numerous applications and operating systems for processing various audio formats including the PARIS Audio Format PAF. The flaw manifests when processing specifically crafted PAF files that exploit an integer overflow condition during buffer allocation calculations, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences for affected systems. The vulnerability resides in the library's handling of audio file metadata and header information where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious input to cause erroneous buffer size calculations that ultimately result in heap-based memory corruption.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of PAF file headers where attacker-controlled values are used to calculate buffer sizes for memory allocation operations. When the integer overflow occurs during these calculations, the resulting buffer size becomes significantly smaller than the intended allocation, creating a situation where subsequent memory writes exceed the allocated buffer boundaries. This heap-based buffer overflow can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to application crashes or more severe exploitation outcomes. The vulnerability specifically targets the library's internal memory management routines that handle audio format parsing and processing, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the core functionality of audio processing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2696 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Systems utilizing vulnerable versions of libsndfile in applications such as audio editors, media players, and multimedia frameworks become susceptible to exploitation when processing untrusted audio files. This vulnerability affects a broad spectrum of software including but not limited to professional audio editing suites, multimedia applications, and embedded systems that rely on libsndfile for audio processing. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability through network-based delivery of malicious PAF files, making it particularly dangerous for web applications, email attachments, and file sharing platforms. The integer overflow condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be leveraged by attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2696 require immediate patching of libsndfile to version 1.0.25 or later where the integer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all applications and systems utilizing vulnerable versions of libsndfile, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple applications may be affected. Network segmentation and file validation measures should be implemented to prevent processing of untrusted audio files, while regular security updates should be enforced across all systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that can be addressed through proper input validation and robust error handling. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, which emphasizes the importance of defending against client-side exploitation vectors that target commonly used libraries and components.