CVE-2017-14633 in libvorbis
Summary
by MITRE
In Xiph.Org libvorbis 1.3.5, an out-of-bounds array read vulnerability exists in the function mapping0_forward() in mapping0.c, which may lead to DoS when operating on a crafted audio file with vorbis_analysis().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14633 represents a critical out-of-bounds array read flaw within the Xiph.Org libvorbis library version 1.3.5. This issue specifically manifests in the mapping0_forward() function located in the mapping0.c source file, where improper bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate audio files that trigger unexpected memory access patterns during the vorbis_analysis() processing phase. The flaw arises from insufficient validation of input parameters that control array indexing operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted audio data can cause the application to read memory locations outside the allocated array boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the library's handling of audio data analysis parameters during the Vorbis audio compression process. When the vorbis_analysis() function processes specially crafted audio files, the mapping0_forward() function fails to properly validate the dimensions and indices used for array operations. This misconfiguration enables an attacker to construct audio files that contain malformed metadata or parameter values which, when processed by the vulnerable library, result in memory access violations. The out-of-bounds read occurs because the function assumes certain array dimensions that may not be satisfied by crafted input data, leading to unpredictable memory access patterns that can cause application crashes or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios that leverage the widespread use of libvorbis in multimedia applications. The vulnerability affects any software that incorporates libvorbis for audio processing, including media players, streaming applications, content management systems, and multimedia frameworks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by preparing malicious audio files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, trigger the out-of-bounds read condition and potentially cause system crashes or allow for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The remote exploitation potential is particularly concerning given that many applications automatically process user-uploaded audio content without adequate input sanitization.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-14633 primarily involve upgrading to libvorbis version 1.3.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the bounds checking deficiencies in the mapping0_forward() function. Additionally, application developers should implement input validation measures that sanitize audio file parameters before processing them through vorbis_analysis() functions, and consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to reduce exploitation success rates. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and control communication through audio processing libraries. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious audio file patterns associated with this vulnerability, particularly in environments where user-uploaded content is processed automatically.