CVE-2014-9496 in openSUSE
Summary
by MITRE
The sd2_parse_rsrc_fork function in sd2.c in libsndfile allows attackers to have unspecified impact via vectors related to a (1) map offset or (2) rsrc marker, which triggers an out-of-bounds read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9496 resides within the libsndfile library, specifically in the sd2_parse_rsrc_fork function located in the sd2.c file. This library serves as a comprehensive audio file format processing tool that supports numerous audio formats including sd2, which is a proprietary format used by SGI systems. The flaw manifests when processing audio files that contain malformed resource fork data structures, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the parsing logic to trigger unintended behavior. The vulnerability specifically affects how the library handles map offset values and rsrc marker validation during resource fork processing, leading to a critical out-of-bounds memory read condition that can be exploited across multiple operating systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the sd2_parse_rsrc_fork function. When the library encounters a malformed sd2 file containing crafted map offset values or invalid rsrc markers, the parsing routine fails to properly bounds-check memory accesses against the parsed resource data. This allows an attacker to provide malicious input that causes the function to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The out-of-bounds read occurs because the code assumes certain data structures will contain valid offsets and markers, but when these values are manipulated to exceed expected ranges, the memory access patterns become unpredictable. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which specifically addresses inadequate bounds checking in input validation processes, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues in audio processing libraries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios, as it can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or information disclosure depending on the specific memory layout and execution environment. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could cause the application using libsndfile to crash or potentially execute malicious code if the out-of-bounds read accesses memory containing executable code or sensitive data. The vulnerability affects any application that utilizes libsndfile for processing sd2 audio files, including multimedia applications, audio editing software, and content management systems that handle various audio formats. This creates a widespread attack surface since libsndfile is widely integrated into numerous software packages across different platforms and operating systems. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through simple file manipulation, making it accessible to attackers without requiring specialized knowledge or privileged access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9496 should focus on immediate patching of affected libsndfile versions, with the recommended approach being the upgrade to libsndfile version 1.0.28 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies that prevent untrusted audio files from being processed by applications using libsndfile, particularly in web-facing applications or environments where user-uploaded content is processed. The implementation of memory safety features such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and heap metadata protection can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and unexpected application crashes when processing audio files, as these could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing for audio processing functions and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of third-party libraries to identify similar memory safety issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through library loading and privilege escalation through memory corruption, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing comprehensive threat hunting and incident response procedures.