CVE-2017-6836 in audiofile
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Expand3To4Module::run function in libaudiofile/modules/SimpleModule.h 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 heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6836 resides within the Audio File Library version 0.3.6, specifically within the Expand3To4Module::run function located in libaudiofile/modules/SimpleModule.h. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to induce a denial of service condition through the careful crafting of malicious audio files. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes specially constructed input files that trigger improper memory handling during the expansion of audio data from 3 to 4 channels, creating a condition where heap memory is overwritten beyond its allocated boundaries. The affected library is widely used in multimedia applications and audio processing systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems that handle untrusted audio content. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management practices within the audio file processing pipeline, where the system fails to validate the size of input data against the allocated buffer space before performing memory operations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability when exploited properly.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts an audio file that contains malformed data structures designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition during the Expand3To4Module::run execution. The function processes audio data by expanding three-channel audio to four-channel format, but fails to properly validate the size of incoming data against the allocated buffer space. When the system attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap memory region, it overwrites adjacent memory locations, causing unpredictable behavior and ultimately leading to application crash. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through network-based audio file processing, making it applicable to web applications, media servers, and any system that accepts and processes user-uploaded audio content. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform persistent denial of service attacks against audio processing services, potentially disrupting legitimate user access to multimedia applications and systems that depend on the affected library. The memory corruption effects are immediate and deterministic, making this vulnerability highly reliable for denial of service exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6836 extends beyond simple system crashes, affecting the reliability and availability of numerous multimedia applications and services that utilize the Audio File Library. Systems running vulnerable versions of audiofile software face significant risk of service disruption, particularly in environments where audio content is frequently processed or uploaded by users, such as media streaming platforms, content management systems, and digital audio workstations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems without requiring local access, making it an attractive vector for widespread disruption. Organizations using affected software must consider the potential for cascading failures, as the crash can affect not only the specific application but also underlying system stability and resource allocation. The vulnerability also has implications for software supply chain security, as many applications depend on audiofile for audio processing functionality, potentially creating widespread impact across multiple software ecosystems. Security teams should implement immediate patching strategies and consider network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6836 should prioritize the immediate application of vendor patches and updates to the Audio File Library to version 0.3.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement input validation controls that filter and sanitize audio file inputs before processing, particularly focusing on channel count and data structure validation to prevent malformed data from reaching vulnerable functions. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for patterns indicative of audio file manipulation attempts, while application-level sandboxing can provide additional protection layers. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves denial of service through resource exhaustion, and organizations should consider implementing rate limiting and resource monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated audiofile installations, as this vulnerability represents a persistent risk for systems that have not been updated. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices including bounds checking, memory management validation, and input sanitization when working with audio file processing libraries to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations.