CVE-2011-5170 in CCMPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Castillo Bueno Systems CCMPlayer 1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long track name in an m3u playlist.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5170 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Castillo Bueno Systems CCMPlayer version 1.5. This software application, designed for multimedia playback, contains a fundamental programming error that creates an exploitable condition when processing specially crafted m3u playlist files. The buffer overflow occurs specifically when the player encounters a track name that exceeds the allocated stack buffer size, allowing malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and boundary checking within the playlist parsing functionality. When CCMPlayer processes an m3u file, it reads track information including the track name field without adequately verifying the length of the data being processed. This deficiency creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition where a string copy operation exceeds the predetermined buffer limits, causing adjacent stack memory to be overwritten. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no local privileges and can be executed remotely through network-based delivery of malicious playlist files. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader category of CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for complete system compromise. Remote code execution capabilities enable threat actors to install malware, establish backdoors, or perform other malicious activities without requiring physical access to the target system. The vulnerability affects any system running CCMPlayer 1.5 where users might encounter or download m3u playlist files from untrusted sources. This makes the flaw particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may unknowingly execute malicious content through legitimate media playback applications. The attack surface is broadened by the common usage of m3u playlists in various media distribution scenarios, including web-based streaming services and peer-to-peer networks where playlist files are frequently shared and downloaded.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5170 should prioritize immediate software updates from the vendor, as Castillo Bueno Systems would have likely released patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to potentially malicious content and employ content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious playlist files. Endpoint protection measures including application whitelisting can prevent execution of vulnerable versions of CCMPlayer while also providing additional layers of defense against similar attacks. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual network traffic patterns or file access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the specific vulnerability and broader exploitation patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation practices and the need for regular security assessments of multimedia applications that process external content.