CVE-2017-12911 in MP3Gain
Summary
by MITRE
The "apetag.c" file in MP3Gain 1.5.2.r2 has a vulnerability which results in a stack memory corruption when opening a crafted MP3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12911 resides within the apetag.c component of MP3Gain version 1.5.2.r2, representing a critical stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through maliciously crafted MP3 files. This flaw demonstrates a classic memory corruption vulnerability where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate stack memory layout during file processing operations. The issue specifically manifests when the application attempts to parse and handle APE tag metadata within MP3 files, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of multimedia file parsing and memory management, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted audio content. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader family of buffer overflow vulnerabilities that have historically led to severe security implications including privilege escalation and remote code execution. The ATT&CK framework would classify this under T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through compromised client applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of metadata structures within MP3 files, specifically within the APE tag parsing routine. When MP3Gain processes a crafted MP3 file containing maliciously formatted APE tag data, the application fails to properly validate the length or structure of the tag information before attempting to copy it into stack-allocated buffers. This lack of bounds checking creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory, potentially corrupting return addresses, function pointers, or other critical execution metadata. The flaw is particularly insidious because it requires no special privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists within a user-level application that processes media files. The stack corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, denial of service conditions, or more severely, arbitrary code execution if the attacker can control the overwritten memory contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a potential vector for broader system compromise when MP3Gain is used in environments where untrusted media content is processed. Attackers could craft malicious MP3 files designed to trigger this vulnerability during normal playback or processing operations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running MP3Gain. This becomes particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users might process media files from untrusted sources or when the application is used in automated workflows. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also systems where MP3Gain is integrated into larger media processing pipelines, creating cascading security implications. Organizations using MP3Gain for audio normalization or metadata management could be at risk from supply chain attacks where malicious media files are introduced through legitimate distribution channels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12911 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MP3Gain installations, as the vulnerability represents a critical security risk that cannot be effectively addressed through configuration changes alone. Users should upgrade to versions of MP3Gain that contain fixed implementations of the APE tag parsing routine, ensuring that proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms are in place. System administrators should implement network segmentation and file validation procedures to prevent untrusted MP3 files from reaching systems running MP3Gain, particularly in environments where automated processing occurs. Additional defensive measures include deploying application whitelisting solutions that restrict execution of untrusted media processing applications and implementing monitoring systems to detect unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits for multimedia processing applications, as similar flaws have been identified in other audio processing libraries and media frameworks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation across all file parsing operations. Organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing applications to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.