CVE-2017-18201 in libcdio
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in GNU libcdio before 2.0.0. There is a double free in get_cdtext_generic() in lib/driver/_cdio_generic.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18201 represents a critical memory safety issue within GNU libcdio version 2.0.0 and earlier releases. This flaw resides in the cdtext handling functionality of the library, specifically within the get_cdtext_generic() function located in the lib/driver/_cdio_generic.c source file. The double free condition occurs when the library processes certain CD text data structures, creating a scenario where memory allocated for cdtext information is freed twice during the execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the cdtext processing routines. When the get_cdtext_generic() function encounters specific input patterns or malformed cdtext data, it executes code paths that result in the same memory block being deallocated twice through consecutive free() operations. This double free condition creates a memory heap corruption scenario where the heap metadata becomes inconsistent, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the memory layout. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during normal library operation when processing cdtext information from optical media, making it exploitable through legitimate use of the library's functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable various attack vectors including arbitrary code execution and denial of service conditions. An attacker who can control the input data processed by the affected library could potentially trigger the double free condition and leverage it to execute malicious code on the target system. This vulnerability affects systems that rely on GNU libcdio for optical media handling, including multimedia applications, CD/DVD burning software, and system utilities that interface with optical drives. The exploitation of this issue could result in complete system compromise, particularly when the vulnerable library is used in applications with elevated privileges or in server environments where such attacks could be amplified.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18201 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with GNU libcdio version 2.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the double free condition. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all applications and services utilizing the vulnerable library, ensuring that all components are updated to patched versions. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for any cdtext data processed by applications, using memory debugging tools to detect similar issues, and employing address space layout randomization techniques to make exploitation more difficult. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-415 which describes double free conditions, and represents a classic example of heap-based memory corruption that can be leveraged through techniques documented in the attack tactics and techniques catalog.