CVE-2016-10172 in Wavpack
Summary
by MITRE
The read_new_config_info function in open_utils.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-2016-10172 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Wavpack audio processing library version 5.0.0 and earlier. This issue resides in the read_new_config_info function located in the open_utils.c source file, where improper input validation allows maliciously crafted WV files to trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes malformed audio files that contain specially constructed metadata or header information, leading to unpredictable behavior during the configuration reading phase of file parsing.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where a program attempts to access memory beyond the allocated boundaries of an array or buffer. In this case, the read_new_config_info function fails to properly validate the length and structure of configuration data within the WV file format, allowing attackers to craft inputs that cause the program to read memory locations outside the intended data boundaries. This type of vulnerability typically arises from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms and inadequate input sanitization routines that should validate the integrity and size of parsed data structures before processing.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant denial of service risks for systems that process Wavpack audio files through affected library versions. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw by simply providing a maliciously crafted WV file to any application that utilizes the vulnerable Wavpack library, potentially causing application crashes, system instability, or complete service interruption. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the out-of-bounds read could potentially lead to information disclosure or even arbitrary code execution depending on the specific memory corruption patterns and the target system architecture. This vulnerability affects a wide range of applications including audio players, media servers, and content processing systems that rely on Wavpack for audio format handling.
The exploitation of CVE-2016-10172 follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of command and scripting interpreters to execute malicious code through crafted inputs. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in scenarios where Wavpack is used to process untrusted audio content such as in media streaming services, content management systems, or audio processing pipelines. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated environments where batch processing of audio files occurs without proper input validation, as a single malicious file could compromise entire processing workflows. Organizations using affected versions should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Wavpack version 5.1.0 or later, implementing input validation measures, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates to Wavpack version 5.1.0 or higher where the out-of-bounds read protections have been implemented. Additionally, system administrators should deploy input validation controls that verify file integrity before processing, implement proper sandboxing for audio file handling, and consider network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable applications. The fix typically involves adding comprehensive bounds checking to the read_new_config_info function to ensure that all array accesses are validated against the actual size of available data structures. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected Wavpack versions and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual memory access patterns or application crashes.