CVE-2017-11552 in libmad
Summary
by MITRE
The mad_decoder_run function in decoder.c in libmad 0.15.1b 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 • 12/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11552 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the libmad library version 0.15.1b, specifically within the mad_decoder_run function located in decoder.c. This issue manifests as a remote denial of service condition that can be exploited through the careful crafting of MP3 files, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process user-supplied audio content. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the MP3 decoding routine, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the decoder's behavior through maliciously formatted audio data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of MP3 frame headers and audio data structures that the mad_decoder_run function processes without sufficient bounds checking or error handling. When a crafted MP3 file is processed, the decoder's internal state becomes corrupted due to improper memory access patterns and buffer overflow conditions. This flaw operates at the intersection of improper input validation and memory safety issues, aligning with CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125 which addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign media file processing can become a vector for system instability and potential privilege escalation scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to any software system that relies on libmad for MP3 decoding, including media players, streaming services, content management systems, and audio processing applications. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the denial of service condition without requiring local access, making it particularly attractive for widespread impact attacks. The memory corruption can lead to application crashes, system instability, and potentially provide footholds for more sophisticated attacks if the corrupted memory state can be leveraged for code execution. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and reliability of affected systems, potentially causing service disruption for end users.
Security practitioners should prioritize updating affected systems to libmad versions that contain patches addressing this memory corruption vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy includes immediate deployment of updated library versions from trusted sources, implementation of input validation measures for MP3 files, and consideration of sandboxing techniques for audio processing components. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing libmad 0.15.1b or similar vulnerable versions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, while also potentially supporting T1059.007 for command and control communications if the vulnerability can be extended to enable remote code execution. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual MP3 file processing patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts.