CVE-2011-3834 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the in_avi.dll plugin in Winamp before 5.623 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an AVI file with a crafted value for (1) the number of streams or (2) the size of the RIFF INFO chunk, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3834 represents a critical security flaw in the Winamp media player software, specifically within the in_avi.dll plugin that handles avi file processing. This issue affects Winamp versions prior to 5.623 and demonstrates a classic integer overflow condition that can be exploited to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the AVI file parser, creating a pathway for malicious actors to craft specially designed AVI files that trigger memory corruption during file processing. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of two distinct AVI file structure elements: the number of streams field and the size of the RIFF INFO chunk, both of which can be manipulated to cause integer overflows that ultimately result in heap-based buffer overflow conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of AVI file headers where attackers can specify invalid values for stream counts or INFO chunk sizes that exceed the maximum representable integer values. When the in_avi.dll plugin processes these malformed values, the integer overflow causes the subsequent buffer allocation to be insufficient for the actual data being processed, leading to memory corruption in the heap region. This heap-based buffer overflow creates an exploitable condition where arbitrary code can be executed with the privileges of the user running Winamp. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions, and represents a common class of memory safety issues that have plagued multimedia processing libraries for decades. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it a prime candidate for drive-by download attacks and social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of the affected system. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the victim's machine, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects a widely used media player application, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to leverage the broad user base. The heap corruption resulting from the buffer overflow can be leveraged through various exploitation techniques including return-oriented programming and stack pivoting, depending on the target system's memory layout and security mitigations. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, demonstrating how the flaw can be used as a foundation for broader attack chains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3834 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the vendor, as the vulnerability is resolved through proper integer overflow checking and bounds validation in the AVI file parsing routines. Organizations should implement strict file type validation and content scanning for media files, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia applications, which should be addressed through secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the CERT Secure Coding Standards. Additionally, deployment of network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious AVI file structures may provide an additional layer of defense. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted media files and ensure that all software components are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted media files and the importance of keeping software up to date with security patches.