CVE-2017-11311 in OpenMPT
Summary
by MITRE
soundlib/Load_psm.cpp in OpenMPT through 1.26.12.00 and libopenmpt before 0.2.8461-beta26 has a heap buffer overflow with the potential for arbitrary code execution via a crafted PSM File that triggers use of the same sample slot for two samples.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11311 resides within the soundlib/Load_psm.cpp component of OpenMPT software version 1.26.12.00 and earlier, as well as in libopenmpt versions prior to 0.2.8461-beta26. This flaw represents a heap buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution through the manipulation of specially crafted PSM files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software processes PSM files that utilize the same sample slot for two distinct samples, creating a scenario where memory boundaries are exceeded during the loading process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper input validation and memory management within the PSM file parser. When OpenMPT encounters a PSM file containing duplicate sample slot references, the software fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or validate memory allocations. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious PSM file that causes the application to write data beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures. The flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific implementation here involves heap memory corruption rather than stack-based issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides a pathway for remote code execution. An attacker who can convince a victim to open a maliciously crafted PSM file through OpenMPT or any application that utilizes libopenmpt for audio file processing could potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This represents a significant security risk in environments where users might encounter untrusted audio files or where OpenMPT is used in automated processing pipelines. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes execution through scripting languages, as the exploitation could occur through automated file processing mechanisms that leverage the vulnerable library.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11311 focus primarily on software updates and input validation improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to OpenMPT version 1.26.12.01 or later, and libopenmpt version 0.2.8461-beta26 or newer, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures, particularly for audio files received from untrusted sources, and consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms when processing potentially malicious media files. Additionally, security-conscious developers should implement robust bounds checking and memory allocation validation within their applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data through libraries that may be vulnerable to similar buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation and proper memory management practices in multimedia processing software, as these components often handle complex binary formats that can contain exploitable conditions when not properly validated.