CVE-2017-17446 in game-music-emu
Summary
by MITRE
The Mem_File_Reader::read_avail function in Data_Reader.cpp in the Game_Music_Emu library (aka game-music-emu) 0.6.1 does not ensure a non-negative size, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17446 resides within the Game_Music_Emu library version 0.6.1, specifically in the Mem_File_Reader::read_avail function located in Data_Reader.cpp. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that manifests through improper input validation and size parameter handling. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate the library's memory reading operations by crafting malicious input files that trigger unexpected behavior during file processing. The root cause stems from the function's failure to validate that size parameters remain non-negative, creating a condition where negative values can propagate through the system and ultimately lead to application instability. Such a flaw falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which specifically addresses issues related to insufficient validation of the length or size of a buffer, and more broadly aligns with CWE-191, which deals with integer underflow conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates potential for more severe consequences within applications that rely on the Game_Music_Emu library for audio processing. When attackers submit specially crafted files, the library's memory reading mechanism can encounter negative size values that cause memory corruption or invalid memory access patterns. This can result in application crashes, process termination, or in some scenarios, potentially allow for more sophisticated exploitation techniques if the library is integrated into larger systems with additional attack surface. The vulnerability's remote nature means that any application exposing the library to untrusted input streams, such as web applications, media players, or content management systems, becomes vulnerable to this type of attack. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, as it specifically targets application stability through memory manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17446 require immediate attention through library version updates, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases of the Game_Music_Emu library. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that explicitly check for negative size parameters before processing memory operations. The fix involves ensuring that all size parameters passed to memory reading functions are validated to be non-negative, with appropriate error handling for invalid inputs. Additionally, implementing proper bounds checking and using secure coding practices that prevent integer underflow conditions can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all applications that utilize the affected library, and implement network segmentation or access controls to limit exposure. The use of application sandboxing techniques and runtime monitoring can provide additional protection layers, while regular security updates and patch management procedures should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.