CVE-2017-7585 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
In libsndfile before 1.0.28, an error in the "flac_buffer_copy()" function (flac.c) can be exploited to cause a stack-based buffer overflow via a specially crafted FLAC file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7585 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the libsndfile library version 1.0.27 and earlier. This issue resides in the flac_buffer_copy() function located in the flac.c source file, which processes FLAC audio files for the library's multimedia handling capabilities. The flaw manifests when the library encounters specially crafted FLAC files that manipulate the buffer allocation and copying mechanisms, creating conditions where data can overflow beyond allocated stack memory boundaries. This vulnerability affects systems that utilize libsndfile for audio file processing, particularly those handling untrusted audio content from external sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer size calculations within the FLAC file parsing logic. When the flac_buffer_copy() function processes malformed FLAC data structures, it fails to properly validate the expected buffer sizes before performing memory copying operations. The flaw allows attackers to craft malicious FLAC files that, when processed by vulnerable libsndfile implementations, trigger memory corruption through stack buffer overflow conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as a high-risk vulnerability in software security assessments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7585 extends across numerous applications and systems that depend on libsndfile for audio processing capabilities. Systems utilizing this library include multimedia applications, audio editing software, game engines, digital audio workstations, and various content management systems that handle audio file conversions and playback. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems, escalate privileges, or cause application crashes leading to denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations without requiring special privileges, making it a significant threat vector for both local and remote exploitation scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7585 primarily involve immediate software updates to libsndfile version 1.0.28 or later, which contains the patched implementation of the flac_buffer_copy() function with proper buffer size validation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected applications that rely on vulnerable libsndfile versions, particularly those handling untrusted audio content. Additional defensive measures include implementing input validation controls, deploying application sandboxing techniques, and establishing network monitoring to detect suspicious file processing activities. Security frameworks such as the ATT&CK framework categorize this vulnerability under the T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter technique, as exploitation may involve crafting malicious audio files to trigger the buffer overflow. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and penetration testing protocols to identify systems running vulnerable versions of libsndfile and ensure comprehensive security posture maintenance.