CVE-2017-5851 in mp3splt
Summary
by MITRE
The free_options function in options_manager.c in mp3splt 2.6.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5851 resides within the mp3splt 2.6.2 software, specifically in the free_options function located in the options_manager.c file. This issue represents a critical denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers through the manipulation of crafted input files. The flaw manifests as a NULL pointer dereference condition that ultimately leads to application crash, effectively rendering the software unavailable to legitimate users. The mp3splt utility is designed for splitting mp3 files at specified points and managing audio file manipulation, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for users who rely on its functionality for audio processing tasks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the free_options function. When the application processes a specially crafted file, the function fails to properly handle null pointer references that occur during memory deallocation operations. This condition falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where a program attempts to access memory through a null pointer reference. The vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector because an attacker can trigger the condition without requiring local system access, simply by providing malicious input files to the application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users who process audio files from untrusted sources or who operate mp3splt in networked environments. The denial of service impact means that legitimate users may experience complete application failure when processing certain files, potentially disrupting workflows that depend on audio file manipulation. The crash occurs during the cleanup phase of the application's operation, indicating that even files that might otherwise be processed successfully can trigger this condition when the program attempts to free allocated memory structures. This vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the system's security triad, as it prevents authorized users from accessing the application's core functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5851 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that have addressed this specific NULL pointer dereference issue. System administrators should implement input validation measures to prevent processing of suspicious files and consider deploying network segmentation to limit exposure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Avoiding Detection, as it can be used to disrupt services without leaving obvious traces of compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for application crashes and unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should avoid processing audio files from untrusted sources and maintain current security patches for all multimedia processing software to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in their environments.