CVE-2016-9264 in libming
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the printMP3Headers function in listmp3.c in Libming 0.4.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted mp3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9264 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Libming library version 0.4.7, specifically within the printMP3Headers function located in the listmp3.c source file. This issue manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when processing maliciously crafted mp3 files, creating a significant security risk for systems that utilize this library for media processing or analysis. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the audio file parsing routine, allowing attackers to manipulate the library's behavior through carefully constructed media files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the printMP3Headers function failing to properly validate the size and structure of mp3 file headers before attempting to read data from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the function does not adequately verify that data reads remain within the confines of the allocated memory space. When a malicious mp3 file is processed, the function attempts to access memory locations that may contain sensitive data or cause the application to crash, resulting in a denial of service condition that can be exploited remotely by attackers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for systems that depend on Libming for audio file processing, particularly in environments where untrusted media files are handled such as web applications, media servers, or content management systems. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the denial of service condition without requiring local access or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible services. The out-of-bounds read can potentially lead to application crashes, system instability, or in more severe cases, could be leveraged as a stepping stone for additional attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a fundamental flaw in input handling that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources or cause cascading failures in dependent applications. Organizations using Libming 0.4.7 should prioritize immediate remediation through library updates or patches, as the vulnerability exists in a widely used multimedia processing library. Security teams should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider implementing input validation measures at the application level to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique of Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as the denial of service condition could be used to create system instability that might facilitate further attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices as outlined in secure coding guidelines and standards such as those provided by the CERT/CC and OWASP. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing this library and ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are implemented to protect against potential exploitation attempts.