CVE-2017-14634 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
In libsndfile 1.0.28, a divide-by-zero error exists in the function double64_init() in double64.c, which may lead to DoS when playing a crafted audio file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14634 represents a critical divide-by-zero error within the libsndfile library version 1.0.28, specifically within the double64_init() function located in the double64.c source file. This flaw manifests when processing specially crafted audio files that trigger the division operation by zero during the initialization phase of double-precision floating-point number handling. The libsndfile library serves as a crucial component for audio file processing across numerous applications and systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through audio file manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the double64_init() function where the code fails to adequately check for zero values before performing division operations. When an attacker crafts an audio file containing malformed data that specifically triggers this condition, the division-by-zero error causes an immediate program termination or system crash. This behavior aligns with CWE-369: Divide by Zero, which categorizes such issues as weaknesses that can lead to denial of service conditions and system instability. The vulnerability operates at the core level of audio processing where floating-point arithmetic is initialized, making it a fundamental flaw that affects the library's ability to handle audio data safely.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14634 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios as it can be leveraged by malicious actors to disrupt audio processing applications that rely on libsndfile. Systems utilizing this library for audio playback, editing, or conversion operations become vulnerable to exploitation through crafted audio files delivered via email attachments, malicious websites, or compromised media libraries. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications including media players, audio editing software, and multimedia frameworks that depend on libsndfile for proper audio handling. This creates a significant attack surface where adversaries can systematically target applications across different platforms and operating systems that utilize this library.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected libsndfile installations to version 1.0.29 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the divide-by-zero condition. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable versions of libsndfile and implement patch management procedures to ensure timely remediation. Additionally, input validation measures should be strengthened at application layers that process audio files, implementing proper error handling and sanitization routines to prevent malformed audio data from reaching the vulnerable library functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and error handling in multimedia processing libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries exploit software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or cause system disruption through crafted file inputs.