CVE-2017-7586 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
In libsndfile before 1.0.28, an error in the "header_read()" function (common.c) when handling ID3 tags 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-2017-7586 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the libsndfile library version 1.0.27 and earlier. This issue specifically manifests in the header_read() function located within the common.c source file, where improper handling of ID3 tags in FLAC audio files creates exploitable conditions. The flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking when processing metadata structures, allowing attackers to craft malicious FLAC files that trigger memory corruption during the parsing process. The vulnerability impacts the library's ability to safely process audio file headers, particularly when encountering malformed ID3 tag data that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through careful manipulation of ID3 tag structures within FLAC container files, where the header_read() function fails to validate the length of incoming metadata before attempting to copy it into fixed-size buffers on the stack. This oversight creates a classic stack buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of libsndfile. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, stack-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant security risk given that libsndfile is widely used across various multimedia applications and operating systems for audio file processing. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate memory management within the audio file parsing pipeline.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7586 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with potential code execution capabilities that can be exploited in various contexts. Systems utilizing vulnerable versions of libsndfile in multimedia applications, audio processing software, or digital audio workstations become susceptible to remote code execution when processing untrusted FLAC files containing maliciously crafted ID3 tags. This vulnerability affects numerous software packages including but not limited to audio editing tools, media players, and content management systems that rely on libsndfile for audio file handling. The attack surface is broad due to the library's widespread adoption across different platforms and applications, making it an attractive target for exploit development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7586 require immediate deployment of libsndfile version 1.0.28 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and services utilizing vulnerable versions of the library, followed by prompt patching operations. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation protocols, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for audio file processing, and configuring network-level restrictions to prevent unauthorized file uploads. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to detect and remediate similar issues in their software supply chains, as the flaw represents a common class of security vulnerabilities that can be prevented through proper defensive programming practices and regular security updates.