CVE-2013-4695 in WinAmp
Summary
by MITRE
Winamp 5.63: Invalid Pointer Dereference leading to Arbitrary Code Execution
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4695 represents a critical security flaw in Winamp version 5.63 that stems from an invalid pointer dereference condition. This issue occurs within the media player's handling of specially crafted playlist files, specifically when processing m3u playlist formats that contain malformed entries. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or have already been freed, creating a scenario where arbitrary code execution becomes possible. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited through social engineering techniques where users are tricked into opening malicious playlist files, making it a prime target for remote code execution attacks.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of playlist parsing routines within Winamp's core architecture. When the application processes a malformed m3u file containing crafted pointer references, the software fails to validate memory access before dereferencing pointers, leading to a crash condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, and more broadly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The underlying flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where the application does not properly sanitize or verify the integrity of playlist file contents before attempting to process them, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code through seemingly benign media playlist structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4695 extends beyond simple system compromise as it provides attackers with a method to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems without requiring elevated privileges. This vulnerability affects Windows operating systems running Winamp 5.63 and creates a persistent threat vector since many users regularly interact with playlist files for organizing media collections. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that Winamp is widely distributed and used across various environments including corporate networks where users may inadvertently trigger the exploit through legitimate media playback activities. Security analysts have noted that the vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where users may receive playlist files through email attachments, file sharing systems, or collaborative platforms, making it an attractive target for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to establish footholds within networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4695 should focus on immediate remediation through official software updates from the vendor, as version 5.63 was patched in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement strict file type controls and user education programs to prevent the opening of untrusted playlist files, while network security controls including email filtering and web proxy configurations can help block malicious playlist content. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized media player components can provide defense in depth. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices such as input validation, memory management, and proper error handling, which align with security frameworks like NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27001. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar pointer dereference issues in other media processing applications and ensure that all third-party software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches.