CVE-2017-6832 in audiofile
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the decodeBlock in MSADPCM.cpp in Audio File Library (aka audiofile) 0.3.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6832 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the Audio File Library version 0.3.6, specifically within the decodeBlock function located in the MSADPCM.cpp file. This issue manifests as a remote code execution risk that can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious audio files designed to trigger the overflow condition. The vulnerability resides in the library's handling of Microsoft ADPCM compressed audio data, which is commonly used in various multimedia applications and systems. The flaw occurs when the library processes malformed audio files that contain specially constructed data sequences that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries during decompression operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to prepare a malicious audio file that contains malformed ADPCM data structures. When the vulnerable audiofile library processes this crafted file, the decodeBlock function fails to properly validate input parameters before performing memory operations. The buffer overflow occurs during the decompression of Microsoft ADPCM audio blocks, where the library attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap memory region. This condition typically results in memory corruption that leads to application crashes or potentially more severe consequences if the attacker can manipulate the overflow to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability's remote exploitability stems from the fact that any application using the affected audiofile library can be compromised simply by processing the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where users might unknowingly download or receive such files.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6832 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the heap corruption can potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks depending on the target system's memory layout and security mitigations. Applications that rely on the audiofile library for processing audio content, including media players, audio editing software, and multimedia frameworks, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability affects systems where the affected library is used as a component, regardless of the specific programming language or platform, as the issue lies within the C/C++ library implementation. Organizations running systems with vulnerable software may experience service interruptions, application instability, and potential data loss when exploited. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated processing of user-uploaded audio files occurs, as it can be triggered without user interaction, making it a significant risk for web applications and content management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6832 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 0.3.7 or later of the audiofile library, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all applications that utilize the vulnerable library and ensure proper patching procedures are implemented across all affected systems. Additionally, input validation controls should be strengthened at application layers that process audio files, including implementing strict file format validation and size limits to prevent malformed data from reaching the vulnerable library functions. Network security measures such as file inspection and content filtering can provide additional protection against malicious audio files in transit, while runtime protections like address space layout randomization and stack canaries should be enabled to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or system compromise, making comprehensive security hygiene practices essential for preventing successful exploitation attempts.