CVE-2017-15602 in Libextractor
Summary
by MITRE
In GNU Libextractor 1.4, there is an integer signedness error for the chunk size in the EXTRACTOR_nsfe_extract_method function in plugins/nsfe_extractor.c, leading to an infinite loop for a crafted size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15602 represents a critical integer signedness error within GNU Libextractor version 1.4, specifically within the EXTRACTOR_nsfe_extract_method function located in the plugins/nsfe_extractor.c file. This flaw manifests as a logic error where the software fails to properly handle the signedness of integer values when processing chunk sizes, creating a condition that can be exploited to cause denial of service through infinite loop execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of signed and unsigned integer types during the processing of NSFE (Nintendo Sound Format Extension) file data. When a crafted malicious file contains a specially constructed chunk size value, the function fails to correctly interpret the signedness of the size parameter, causing the loop condition to remain perpetually true. This results in an infinite loop that consumes excessive system resources and effectively renders the affected application unresponsive.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that utilize GNU Libextractor for media file processing, particularly in environments where automated file extraction and metadata parsing occur. The infinite loop condition can be triggered by simply processing a maliciously crafted NSFE file, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to disrupt services through resource exhaustion. The vulnerability affects any application that depends on the libextractor library for file format processing, including media servers, content management systems, and file analysis tools.
The flaw aligns with CWE-191, Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound), and represents a classic example of improper integer handling that can lead to denial of service conditions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain targeting system availability, specifically falling under the T1499.004 technique for Network Denial of Service. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation errors in library code can have cascading effects on entire application ecosystems that depend on such components.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of GNU Libextractor to version 1.5 or later, where the integer signedness error has been resolved through proper type handling and bounds checking. System administrators should also implement input validation measures to prevent processing of untrusted NSFE files, and consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file processing patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their software dependencies to identify similar integer handling issues that may exist in other library components. The fix typically involves ensuring proper signedness handling when processing chunk size values and implementing appropriate loop termination conditions that prevent infinite execution paths.