CVE-2013-4694 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in gen_jumpex.dll in Winamp before 5.64 Build 3418 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a package with a long Skin directory name. NOTE: a second buffer overflow involving a long GUI Search field to ml_local.dll was also reported. However, since it is only exploitable by the user of the application, this issue would not cross privilege boundaries unless Winamp is running under a highly restricted environment such as a kiosk.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4694 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the gen_jumpex.dll component within Winamp media player versions prior to 5.64 Build 3418. This flaw resides in the handling of skin directory names within package files, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited by attackers to crash the application or potentially gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The vulnerability operates through a classic stack overflow mechanism where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer space, ultimately leading to application instability and potential system compromise. The flaw specifically impacts the Winamp application's ability to process maliciously crafted package files containing excessively long skin directory names that exceed the buffer capacity allocated for such data processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the application fails to properly validate input length before copying data to a fixed-size stack buffer. When a malicious package file contains a skin directory name exceeding the predetermined buffer limits, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through compromised application processes. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of package metadata, specifically within the skin directory name handling routine, where the application does not implement adequate input validation or length checking mechanisms to prevent memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to compromise entire systems running vulnerable versions of Winamp. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious packages through various vectors including web downloads, email attachments, or peer-to-peer networks without requiring local system access. The crash conditions resulting from this flaw can be leveraged to create a persistent denial of service scenario, while the potential for arbitrary code execution opens pathways for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Additionally, the secondary vulnerability affecting the GUI Search field in ml_local.dll, though limited to user-level exploitation, demonstrates the broader security weaknesses within the Winamp application architecture and its susceptibility to multiple attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4694 should prioritize immediate application updates to Winamp version 5.64 Build 3418 or later, which includes patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions in both gen_jumpex.dll and ml_local.dll components. System administrators should implement network-based controls such as application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted Winamp packages and enforce strict file validation policies for media content. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly dangerous in kiosk environments or restricted user scenarios where attackers might attempt to exploit the privilege escalation potential through the second buffer overflow. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect suspicious package file transfers that might contain maliciously crafted skin directory names. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow conditions within legacy applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates the persistent nature of such flaws in multimedia applications and their susceptibility to remote exploitation through user interaction with untrusted content.