CVE-2017-7741 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 segmentation violation (with write memory access) via a specially crafted FLAC file during a resample attempt, a similar issue to CVE-2017-7585.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2017-7741 affects the libsndfile library version 1.0.27 and earlier, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. This issue resides within the flac_buffer_copy() function located in the flac.c source file, which handles FLAC audio file processing operations. The vulnerability manifests when the library attempts to process specially crafted FLAC files during resampling operations, creating a condition where memory access violations occur. The flaw specifically enables a write memory access violation that results in segmentation faults, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process untrusted audio content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management within the FLAC decoding routines. When libsndfile encounters a malformed FLAC file, the flac_buffer_copy() function fails to properly validate buffer sizes and memory allocation parameters during the resampling process. This deficiency allows attackers to craft malicious FLAC files that trigger buffer overflows or invalid memory writes, leading to system crashes or potential code execution. The vulnerability shares similarities with CVE-2017-7585, indicating a pattern of memory handling issues within the library's FLAC processing capabilities. The flaw operates at the intersection of multiple cybersecurity domains including software security, audio processing, and memory safety, making it particularly challenging to mitigate.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7741 extends across numerous applications and systems that rely on libsndfile for audio file processing, including digital audio workstations, media players, content management systems, and audio editing software. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering maliciously crafted FLAC files through various attack vectors such as email attachments, web downloads, or compromised media libraries. The segmentation fault resulting from the write memory access violation typically causes application crashes, potentially leading to denial of service conditions that can disrupt legitimate audio processing workflows. Organizations using affected versions of libsndfile face significant risk as this vulnerability can be leveraged to compromise system integrity, especially when applications process untrusted audio content from external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7741 require immediate patching of libsndfile to version 1.0.28 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the flac_buffer_copy() function. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected applications that depend on libsndfile, particularly those handling multimedia content from untrusted sources. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and sandboxing techniques can provide defense-in-depth protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious FLAC file patterns and unusual memory access behaviors during audio processing operations. Organizations should also consider employing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify systems running vulnerable versions of libsndfile and track remediation progress. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through compromised audio processing applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures across the entire software supply chain.