CVE-2011-5162 in GOM Player
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in GOM Player 2.1.33.5071 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .ASX file with a long URI in the "ref href" tag. NOTE: this issue exists because of a CVE-2007-0707 regression.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5162 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in GOM Player version 2.1.33.5071 that exposes users to remote code execution risks through maliciously crafted .ASX media playlist files. This vulnerability constitutes a significant security regression that re-emerged due to a failure in proper input validation mechanisms within the media player's handling of URI references in advanced stream redirector files. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes the "ref href" attribute within .ASX file structures, where an attacker can exploit the lack of bounds checking to overflow the allocated stack buffer and potentially overwrite critical program execution data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate boundary checking in the parsing routine responsible for processing URI values within the .ASX file format. When a maliciously constructed .ASX file containing an excessively long URI string is processed by GOM Player, the application fails to validate the length of the input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass a comprehensive attack surface that can be leveraged by threat actors for privilege escalation and system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious .ASX files that appear legitimate to unsuspecting users, exploiting the user-assisted nature of the vulnerability to deliver payloads through social engineering tactics. Once executed, the malicious code can establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware components within the victim's system environment. The regression aspect of this vulnerability, as noted in the description, indicates that similar issues were previously addressed in CVE-2007-0707 but reappeared due to incomplete or reverted security fixes in subsequent software versions, highlighting the importance of comprehensive vulnerability remediation processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5162 require immediate action including software patching and application hardening measures to prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize updating GOM Player installations to versions that address this buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Additional protective measures include implementing network-based filtering to block .ASX file downloads from untrusted sources, deploying application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of vulnerable media player versions, and utilizing sandboxing technologies to isolate media playback operations. From an att&ck framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through malicious files and privilege escalation, requiring defensive measures that address both the initial compromise vector and potential post-exploitation activities. The vulnerability also emphasizes the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments to prevent regressions that can reintroduce previously resolved security flaws into software applications.