CVE-2017-8365 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
The i2les_array function in pcm.c in libsndfile 1.0.28 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted audio file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8365 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the libsndfile library version 1.0.28 specifically affecting the i2les_array function in pcm.c. This issue arises from inadequate input validation when processing crafted audio files, creating a scenario where maliciously formatted media content can trigger unexpected behavior in applications that utilize this multimedia library. The flaw exists in the handling of audio data during the conversion process from integer to little-endian storage formats, making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications process untrusted audio input from external sources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the i2les_array function's failure to properly bounds-check array accesses when processing audio sample data. When a crafted audio file contains malformed metadata or sample values that exceed expected buffer boundaries, the function attempts to read beyond allocated memory regions, resulting in undefined behavior that manifests as application crashes or system instability. This type of buffer over-read vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially more severe exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and multimedia processing, where the library's assumption about valid input data structure proves incorrect when confronted with maliciously constructed audio files.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8365 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to disrupt services across numerous applications that depend on libsndfile for audio processing. Systems utilizing this library include media players, audio editing software, content management systems, and multimedia frameworks that handle user-uploaded audio files. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition without physical access to the target system, making it particularly concerning for web applications and services that process audio content from untrusted sources. This flaw can be exploited in scenarios such as file upload validation bypasses, where malicious audio files are uploaded to servers, or in network-based audio streaming applications that do not properly validate incoming audio streams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8365 require immediate library updates to version 1.0.29 or later, where the buffer over-read condition has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected applications that utilize libsndfile, particularly those handling user-generated audio content or processing external audio files. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for audio files, employing sandboxing techniques for audio processing, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level security controls such as memory protection mechanisms and heap-based buffer overflow detection to provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia libraries and implementing comprehensive input validation practices as outlined in the software security principles found in the ATT&CK framework's defense evasion and execution tactics, where improper input handling can lead to system compromise through seemingly benign file processing operations.