CVE-2011-2914 in libmodplug
Summary
by MITRE
Off-by-one error in the CSoundFile::ReadDSM function in src/load_dms.cpp in libmodplug before 0.8.8.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted DSM file with a large number of samples.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2914 represents a critical off-by-one error within the CSoundFile::ReadDSM function of libmodplug library versions prior to 0.8.8.4. This flaw resides in the src/load_dms.cpp source file and demonstrates a classic buffer management issue that can lead to severe security implications. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of DSM files, which are used for storing musical compositions in the MOD file format family. When a maliciously crafted DSM file containing an excessive number of samples is processed by the vulnerable library, the off-by-one error manifests during memory allocation and data processing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the ReadDSM function where the library fails to correctly validate the number of samples contained in the DSM file header against the actual data available in the file. This condition creates a scenario where the application attempts to read beyond allocated memory boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can result in unpredictable behavior. The flaw operates at the intersection of buffer overflow conditions and memory management errors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to cause either denial of service through system crashes or potentially enable arbitrary code execution. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2914 extends beyond simple system instability, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise systems that utilize libmodplug for audio file processing. Applications that incorporate libmodplug as a dependency, including various media players, audio editing tools, and game engines that support MOD file formats, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can craft malicious DSM files and deliver them through various channels such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms without requiring local access to the target system. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for applications that automatically process user-uploaded content or download files from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of libmodplug to version 0.8.8.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the off-by-one error in the ReadDSM function. System administrators should also implement input validation measures at network boundaries and application levels to prevent processing of suspicious DSM files, particularly those with unusually large sample counts or malformed headers. The implementation of sandboxing techniques and memory protection mechanisms can further reduce the potential impact of exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and remote code execution through software vulnerabilities, specifically mapping to T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file processing patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, as well as maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation campaigns targeting this specific vulnerability.