CVE-2017-11662 in WildMIDI
Summary
by MITRE
The _WM_ParseNewMidi function in f_midi.c in WildMIDI 0.4.2 can cause a denial of service (invalid memory read and application crash) via a crafted mid file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11662 resides within the WildMIDI library version 0.4.2, specifically in the _WM_ParseNewMidi function located in the f_midi.c source file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables malicious actors to induce a denial of service condition through the careful crafting of midi files. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes specially designed midi files that exploit improper input validation mechanisms within the parsing routine. The affected function fails to adequately validate the structure and content of midi data, creating opportunities for invalid memory reads that ultimately lead to application crashes and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and input sanitization within the midi parsing algorithm. When the _WM_ParseNewMidi function encounters malformed midi data, it attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly validated or allocated, resulting in invalid memory read operations. This type of flaw falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, which is a fundamental weakness in software design that allows malicious inputs to cause unexpected behavior. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of buffer overflows and memory corruption issues, where the parser's failure to properly handle edge cases in midi file structures creates exploitable conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to applications that utilize WildMIDI for audio processing, particularly those in multimedia environments, gaming platforms, or digital audio workstations. The denial of service condition can be triggered simply by opening or processing a malicious midi file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted audio content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt services, cause application instability, or potentially escalate their control over systems that rely on the affected library. The impact extends beyond simple crashes to include potential system resource exhaustion and service disruption in applications that depend on reliable midi processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11662 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches to address the underlying parsing flaws in WildMIDI version 0.4.2. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of the library, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases through improved input validation and memory access controls. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures at the application level can provide additional defense in depth, including validating midi file structures before processing and implementing proper error handling for parsing exceptions. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious midi files, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted audio content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the technique of privilege escalation and denial of service through software exploitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive patch management and input validation protocols.