CVE-2016-10169 in Wavpack
Summary
by MITRE
The read_code function in read_words.c in Wavpack before 5.1.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted WV file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10169 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Wavpack audio processing library, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.1.0. This issue resides in the read_code function located within the read_words.c source file, demonstrating a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted WV audio files. The Wavpack library serves as a popular lossless audio compression format widely used in various multimedia applications and systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the read_code function, which fails to properly bounds-check data reads from malformed WV files. When processing specially crafted audio files, the function attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in unpredictable behavior and potential system instability. This flaw operates at the core of the audio decoding process where the library parses and interprets compressed audio data streams, making it a fundamental weakness in the data processing pipeline. The out-of-bounds read condition can manifest as memory corruption, application crashes, or in more severe cases, could potentially enable further exploitation techniques depending on the execution environment and memory layout.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant denial of service risks for systems that rely on Wavpack for audio processing, particularly in environments where untrusted audio files are processed automatically. Attackers can craft malicious WV files that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, causing applications using the vulnerable library to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users. The remote exploitation capability means that systems processing audio files from untrusted sources, such as media servers, content delivery networks, or multimedia applications, become vulnerable to this attack vector. This vulnerability particularly affects server-side applications and automated processing systems where the library is used to handle incoming audio content without proper sanitization.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2016-10169 primarily involves upgrading to Wavpack version 5.1.0 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms that prevent the out-of-bounds read condition. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and applications that utilize the vulnerable library, particularly in production environments where audio file processing occurs. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization at the application level, such as validating file headers and implementing strict file format checking before passing files to the Wavpack library, can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious audio file patterns associated with known exploit payloads.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations, and represents a common pattern of memory safety issues that fall under the ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically related to exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign file processing operations can become attack vectors when proper input validation is absent, highlighting the critical importance of robust security practices in multimedia processing libraries. Organizations using Wavpack should also monitor for similar vulnerabilities in related audio processing libraries and maintain updated security practices to protect against evolving threats in multimedia processing environments.