CVE-2011-5165 in Free MP3 CD Ripper
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Free MP3 CD Ripper 1.1, 2.6 and earlier, when converting a file, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute aribitrary code via a crafted .wav file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5165 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Free MP3 CD Ripper versions 1.1 through 2.6. This issue manifests during the file conversion process when the application processes specially crafted .wav files. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the program stack. The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly validate the length of input data when parsing .wav file headers, creating an opportunity for malicious input to exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities within the context of the application's privileges. When a user opens or processes a maliciously crafted .wav file, the buffer overflow can be leveraged to overwrite return addresses and function pointers on the stack, potentially allowing an attacker to redirect program execution flow. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the simple act of opening a malicious file, making it a prime candidate for user-assisted remote code execution scenarios. The attack vector is classified as network-based since attackers can deliver malicious .wav files through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1203, which addresses exploitation for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how multimedia processing applications can become attack vectors due to insufficient input validation. The affected software's stack-based buffer overflow creates a predictable memory corruption scenario that can be exploited using standard return-oriented programming techniques or direct code injection methods. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in media processing applications because they often run with elevated privileges and handle untrusted input from external sources. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is further amplified by the fact that .wav files are commonly used multimedia formats that users frequently interact with, making the attack surface significantly broader than typical software vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5165 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from the software vendor, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Free MP3 CD Ripper application. Organizations should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for .wav files that originate from untrusted sources, and consider deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of vulnerable software versions. Network-level protections such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious .wav file delivery attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening files from unknown sources and the importance of keeping software updated. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in multimedia processing applications and the necessity of implementing robust memory safety mechanisms to prevent such buffer overflow conditions from occurring.