CVE-2017-6837 in audiofile
Summary
by MITRE
WAVE.cpp in Audio File Library (aka audiofile) 0.3.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via vectors related to a large number of coefficients.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6837 resides within the WAVE.cpp component of the Audio File Library version 0.3.6, representing a critical denial of service flaw that can be exploited remotely by attackers. This issue manifests when the library processes audio files containing an excessive number of coefficients, leading to a system crash that disrupts normal operations. The affected library is widely used in multimedia applications and audio processing systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for developers and system administrators who rely on robust audio file handling capabilities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the WAVE file parsing logic. When the audiofile library encounters audio files with an unusually high number of coefficients in their wave format structure, the parsing routine fails to properly handle the excessive data, resulting in memory corruption or stack overflow conditions that ultimately cause the application to terminate unexpectedly. This flaw aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and represents a classic example of improper handling of malformed data structures during file processing operations. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-787, representing an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the library attempts to process coefficient arrays beyond their allocated memory boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that process audio files from untrusted sources, including web applications, media servers, and content management systems that accept user-uploaded audio files. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious wave files containing excessive coefficient data, causing legitimate applications using the audiofile library to crash repeatedly. This creates a persistent denial of service scenario where legitimate users cannot access audio processing services, potentially leading to complete system unavailability. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where audio files are frequently transmitted and processed.
The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential business continuity issues and reputational damage for organizations relying on affected systems. Systems that process large volumes of audio content, such as streaming platforms, podcast hosting services, and multimedia applications, face heightened risk of operational disruption. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web uploads, file sharing services, and automated audio processing pipelines. Organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns and establish robust input validation procedures to prevent exploitation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the audiofile library to version 0.3.7 or later, implementing strict file format validation, and deploying application-level sandboxing techniques to isolate audio processing functions from core system operations.
Security practitioners should also consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1499 category for network denial of service, where the attack specifically targets application-level vulnerabilities to disrupt audio processing services. The vulnerability may also be relevant to T1059 for command and control communications if attackers use compromised systems to propagate malicious audio files. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing the affected audiofile library and implement proper monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires careful testing of patched versions to ensure that legitimate audio processing functionality remains intact while eliminating the denial of service risk. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file validation mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth measures that reduce the overall attack surface and improve system resilience against similar vulnerabilities.