CVE-2017-6827 in libaudiofile
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the MSADPCM::initializeCoefficients function in MSADPCM.cpp in audiofile (aka libaudiofile and Audio File Library) 0.3.6 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted audio file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6827 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the audiofile library, specifically within the MSADPCM::initializeCoefficients function located in MSADPCM.cpp. This library, also known as libaudiofile or Audio File Library version 0.3.6, serves as a multimedia framework for handling various audio file formats including ADPCM compressed audio. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted audio files that exploit improper bounds checking during coefficient initialization for Microsoft ADPCM decoding operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the MSADPCM codec initialization routine. When the library attempts to parse and initialize coefficients for ADPCM audio data, it fails to properly validate the size of incoming data structures, allowing attackers to craft audio files that cause memory allocation boundaries to be exceeded. This heap overflow condition occurs because the function does not adequately verify the length of coefficient data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as demonstrated by the unspecified nature of the potential consequences in the CVE description. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on systems that process the affected audio files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects any application or system that utilizes the audiofile library for audio processing, including media players, audio editing software, and content delivery platforms. Given the widespread adoption of this library across various multimedia applications, the attack surface is substantial and includes both desktop and server environments.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of improper input validation in multimedia processing libraries. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique through memory corruption, potentially enabling adversaries to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to system resources. Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the audiofile library to version 0.3.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, memory sanitization, and runtime protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization can significantly reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities in the affected codebase.