CVE-2017-12562 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based Buffer Overflow in the psf_binheader_writef function in common.c in libsndfile through 1.0.28 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12562 resides within the libsndfile library version 1.0.28 and earlier, specifically within the psf_binheader_writef function located in the common.c source file. This critical flaw represents a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt system operations or potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during binary header writing operations, where the function fails to validate the size of data being written to heap-allocated memory regions, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory blocks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the psf_binheader_writef function processes formatted input strings without adequate validation of buffer boundaries, allowing attackers to supply maliciously crafted data that exceeds the allocated heap memory space. This condition creates a heap-based buffer overflow scenario where the overflow can overwrite adjacent heap metadata, function pointers, or other critical data structures, leading to unpredictable application behavior. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate file processing operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard network monitoring techniques.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on libsndfile for audio file processing, including media servers, audio editing applications, and multimedia frameworks. The impact ranges from denial of service conditions that can crash applications and render systems unavailable to potential code execution scenarios that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest potential for more severe consequences including privilege escalation or information disclosure, depending on the specific attack vectors and system configurations. This vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that handle audio files, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple systems may be exposed to malicious audio content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12562 should focus on immediate remediation through library updates to version 1.0.29 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems using libsndfile are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include input validation controls, sandboxing of audio processing operations, and network segmentation to limit exposure to potentially malicious audio files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category and can be mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation through memory corruption exploits. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file processing patterns and monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.