CVE-2017-11548 in libao
Summary
by MITRE
The _tokenize_matrix function in audio_out.c in Xiph.Org libao 1.2.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted MP3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11548 resides within the audio_out.c component of Xiph.Org libao version 1.2.0, specifically within the _tokenize_matrix function. This flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that can be exploited remotely through the processing of maliciously crafted MP3 files. The libao library serves as a cross-platform audio output library that provides applications with a consistent interface for audio playback across different operating systems, making it a widely used component in multimedia applications and audio processing software.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the _tokenize_matrix function. When the library processes MP3 files, it attempts to parse and tokenize audio data structures that contain matrix representations of audio information. The flaw occurs during the parsing of malformed MP3 data where the function fails to properly validate the size and structure of matrix elements before attempting to allocate memory or perform operations on them. This inadequate boundary checking creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system instability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment. Remote attackers who can convince a victim to play a specially crafted MP3 file through an application using the vulnerable libao library could trigger memory corruption that may lead to application crashes, system instability, or in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because MP3 files are ubiquitous and easily distributed, making it simple for attackers to craft malicious payloads that could affect a wide range of applications. The attack vector requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond the normal playback of media files, making it a significant threat to both desktop and server environments where audio processing libraries are utilized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11548 should focus on immediate library updates and implementation of defensive programming practices. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Xiph.Org libao where the _tokenize_matrix function has been corrected to properly validate input data before processing. Organizations should also implement input sanitization measures and consider deploying application sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Additionally, security-conscious developers should ensure that all audio processing libraries are regularly updated and that proper error handling is implemented in applications that utilize such components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing libraries and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers legitimate programs that are used to execute malicious code, as the exploitation could potentially be leveraged to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary commands on affected systems.