CVE-2017-6828 in libaudiofile
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the readValue function in FileHandle.cpp in audiofile (aka libaudiofile and Audio File Library) 0.3.6 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted WAV file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6828 resides within the audiofile library version 0.3.6, specifically within the readValue function located in FileHandle.cpp. This critical flaw represents a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited through maliciously crafted WAV files, presenting significant security risks for applications that rely on the library for audio file processing. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking during the parsing of audio file headers, particularly when handling malformed or specially constructed WAV file data. The issue manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of heap-allocated buffers. This particular implementation flaw in audiofile demonstrates a failure in proper memory management practices and input sanitization, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the unspecified nature of the consequences indicates potential for more severe exploitation outcomes including remote code execution and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by preparing a crafted WAV file that triggers the buffer overflow during the file parsing process, causing the application to write beyond allocated memory regions and potentially overwrite adjacent memory structures. The heap-based nature of the overflow provides attackers with additional flexibility in exploitation techniques, as heap corruption can lead to various outcomes including information disclosure, application crashes, or more sophisticated attack vectors. This vulnerability affects systems that utilize the audiofile library for processing audio content, particularly multimedia applications, audio editing software, and any system that handles WAV file inputs without proper validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6828 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that contain patches addressing the buffer overflow in the readValue function. Organizations must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing the affected audiofile library version 0.3.6 and implement proper input validation measures to prevent malformed audio file processing. The fix typically involves implementing proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation within the readValue function to ensure that data read from WAV files does not exceed the allocated buffer sizes. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious audio file inputs, while also establishing robust monitoring mechanisms to detect unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow and represents a common attack surface in multimedia processing libraries, making it consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through audio file manipulation and T1203 for exploitation of input validation weaknesses in multimedia applications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software dependencies and implementing comprehensive memory safety practices in audio processing applications to prevent similar security incidents in the future.