CVE-2017-15045 in LAME
Summary
by MITRE
LAME 3.99.5 has a heap-based buffer over-read, a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-9410.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15045 affects LAME version 3.99.5 and represents a heap-based buffer over-read condition that differs from the previously disclosed CVE-2017-9410. This flaw exists within the LAME audio encoding library which is widely used for converting audio files to the mp3 format. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of malformed audio data, specifically when handling certain frame structures in mp3 files. The heap-based nature of this over-read indicates that the flaw occurs in dynamically allocated memory regions, making it particularly concerning for memory corruption attacks. According to CWE-125, this vulnerability maps to the weakness of out-of-bounds read, where an application accesses memory beyond the boundaries of a buffer. The issue manifests when the LAME library attempts to parse audio frames without sufficient validation of input data length, leading to the reading of uninitialized or adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability can potentially expose sensitive information stored in memory or cause application instability leading to denial of service conditions. The operational impact extends beyond simple crashes as attackers could potentially leverage this over-read to extract confidential data from memory segments or corrupt program execution flow. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and information disclosure techniques, as the vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to memory contents. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where LAME is used for processing untrusted audio input such as media processing servers, content management systems, or any application that accepts mp3 file uploads from external sources. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially more severe memory corruption depending on the specific memory layout and adjacent data structures. The flaw is classified as a heap-based buffer over-read because the memory allocation occurs on the heap rather than on the stack, making the exploitation more complex but potentially more dangerous due to the nature of heap memory management. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where LAME is used for batch processing of audio files, as it could be triggered through specially crafted mp3 files that exploit the input validation gaps in the library's frame parsing logic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the LAME library's handling of mp3 frame headers and their associated data structures. When parsing mp3 frames, the library calculates buffer sizes based on header information without proper validation of the actual data length available. This calculation error leads to situations where the code attempts to read more data from a buffer than was actually allocated, resulting in the over-read condition. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it does not necessarily cause immediate application crashes but instead allows for the reading of adjacent memory contents that may contain sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential information. The heap memory corruption occurs during the processing of audio frames where the library's frame parsing functions do not adequately verify that the expected data length matches the actual data available in the input stream. This type of flaw is commonly found in audio processing libraries that must handle various file formats and their edge cases. The vulnerability can be triggered by feeding the library malformed mp3 files that contain specially crafted frame headers designed to cause the buffer over-read. The specific conditions that trigger this vulnerability involve the library's handling of certain combinations of frame size indicators and actual data length values that result in negative buffer calculations or calculations that exceed available buffer boundaries. The flaw is particularly relevant in environments where LAME is integrated into larger applications or web services that process user-uploaded audio content, making it a potential vector for information disclosure attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15045 should focus on immediate patching of the LAME library to version 3.99.6 or later which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. System administrators should prioritize updating all instances of the LAME library across their infrastructure, particularly in applications that process untrusted audio input. The implementation of input validation measures at the application level can provide additional defense-in-depth protection by sanitizing audio file inputs before they are passed to the LAME library. Network security controls should be configured to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement proper access controls and least privilege principles to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated versions of the LAME library to prevent unpatched systems from remaining exposed to this vulnerability. The fix implemented in LAME 3.99.6 includes enhanced bounds checking mechanisms that validate frame header information against actual data availability before attempting buffer operations. Security monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in systems that process large volumes of audio content. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing techniques can help contain potential impacts if the vulnerability is successfully exploited, limiting the damage to specific application processes rather than allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 emphasizes the importance of proper buffer boundary validation in all memory operations, making this a critical area for security hardening efforts across all audio processing systems.