CVE-2017-6892 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
In libsndfile version 1.0.28, an error in the "aiff_read_chanmap()" function (aiff.c) can be exploited to cause an out-of-bounds read memory access via a specially crafted AIFF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6892 represents a critical memory safety issue within the libsndfile library version 1.0.28, specifically affecting the aiff_read_chanmap() function located in the aiff.c source file. This flaw constitutes a classic out-of-bounds memory read condition that can be triggered through manipulation of AIFF audio file structures, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted audio content is processed. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of channel mapping data within AIFF file headers, allowing an attacker to craft malicious files that cause the library to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Such out-of-bounds reads can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context where the library is utilized.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the aiff_read_chanmap() function processes channel mapping information from an AIFF file header without proper bounds checking against the actual channel count specified in the file. When an attacker constructs an AIFF file containing malformed channel mapping data that exceeds the expected array dimensions, the function attempts to read memory locations that have not been properly allocated or validated. This memory access violation can result in the exposure of sensitive data residing in adjacent memory regions, including stack contents, heap data, or other process memory segments that may contain authentication tokens, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information. The vulnerability manifests as a direct consequence of inadequate input validation and buffer overflow protection mechanisms within the audio file parsing logic, creating a pathway for attackers to extract unintended memory contents through carefully crafted file structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6892 extends across numerous applications and systems that rely on libsndfile for audio file processing, including digital audio workstations, media players, audio editing software, and multimedia frameworks. Any system that accepts or processes AIFF files from untrusted sources becomes potentially vulnerable to this memory access violation, creating risks for both end-user applications and server-side processing systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications, content management systems, and media processing pipelines where AIFF files might be uploaded or streamed by users without proper sanitization. Additionally, the out-of-bounds read can cause application instability and denial of service conditions, making it a significant threat to system availability and reliability. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and may be associated with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation contexts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6892 should prioritize immediate patching of affected libsndfile versions to the latest stable releases that contain proper bounds checking and input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures for all audio file processing workflows, including mandatory file format validation, size limitations, and content scanning before processing. Network segmentation and application sandboxing can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by isolating vulnerable applications from critical system resources. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify other potential memory safety issues within audio processing libraries and multimedia frameworks. System administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts through log analysis and intrusion detection systems, paying particular attention to unusual memory access patterns or application crashes that might indicate successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include updating all dependent applications and services that utilize libsndfile, ensuring complete coverage across the entire software ecosystem to prevent indirect exploitation pathways.