CVE-2015-7805 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in libsndfile 1.0.25 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via the headindex value in the header in an AIFF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7805 resides within the libsndfile library version 1.0.25, specifically targeting the handling of AIFF file headers. This vulnerability manifests when the library processes the headindex value contained within the AIFF file header structure, creating a condition where insufficient input validation allows for memory corruption. The flaw represents a classic heap overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability affects applications that utilize libsndfile for audio file processing, particularly those handling untrusted AIFF content from external sources. The unspecified impact designation indicates that the consequences could range from denial of service to complete system compromise depending on the execution environment and exploitation circumstances.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during AIFF header parsing operations. When libsndfile encounters an AIFF file with a malformed headindex value, the library fails to validate the input against expected buffer limits before performing memory allocation or data copying operations. This oversight creates a condition where the headindex value can cause the heap allocator to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent heap metadata or other critical data structures. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and file format parsing, where the library's assumption about valid input ranges proves incorrect when confronted with maliciously crafted AIFF headers. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in heap-allocated memory regions. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and input validation, where the library does not adequately sanitize external input before processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7805 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially enable remote code execution in vulnerable environments. Attackers can craft malicious AIFF files containing oversized headindex values that trigger the buffer overflow during file parsing, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This presents significant risk in applications that process audio files from untrusted sources, including media servers, content management systems, and multimedia applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications and services that accept file uploads, as it could enable attackers to compromise entire systems through crafted audio files. The exploitability factor increases when considering that AIFF files are commonly used in professional audio applications, making the attack surface broader than typical file format vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage file format parsing flaws to execute malicious code on target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7805 require immediate patching of affected libsndfile installations to version 1.0.26 or later, which includes proper bounds checking for the headindex value in AIFF headers. Organizations should implement input validation measures at application layers that process AIFF files, including additional sanity checks on header values before passing them to libsndfile libraries. Network-level defenses can include file type filtering and content inspection to prevent potentially malicious AIFF files from reaching vulnerable applications. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications relying on affected libsndfile versions and ensure timely updates. Security monitoring should focus on file upload operations and audio processing services that may be exposed to untrusted input. The remediation process must also include updating related software components that depend on libsndfile, as many multimedia applications and frameworks utilize this library for audio file handling. Organizations should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for audio file processing to limit potential impact should exploitation occur, and maintain regular security updates for all multimedia processing libraries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.