CVE-2017-8782 in libming
Summary
by MITRE
The readString function in util/read.c and util/old/read.c in libming 0.4.8 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a large file that is mishandled by listswf, listaction, etc. This occurs because of an integer overflow that leads to a memory allocation error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8782 resides within the libming library version 0.4.8, specifically in the readString function located in util/read.c and util/old/read.c files. This issue represents a critical security flaw that affects applications utilizing the library for processing swf files, particularly those employing command line tools such as listswf and listaction. The vulnerability manifests when these tools encounter specially crafted large files that trigger improper handling within the library's string reading mechanisms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs during memory allocation processes. When the readString function processes malformed input data, it fails to properly validate the size parameters before attempting memory allocation operations. This integer overflow results in the allocation of insufficient memory, creating a scenario where subsequent memory operations either fail or corrupt adjacent memory regions. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through malicious file inputs, making it a significant concern for any system that processes untrusted swf content without proper validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8782 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially lead to more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution in vulnerable environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted swf files that, when processed by applications using the affected libming library, trigger the integer overflow condition. This allows for remote exploitation that can crash the targeted application, leading to service disruption and potential information disclosure. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that depend on libming for swf file processing, including web applications, content management systems, and multimedia processing tools.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses issues where integer arithmetic results in values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type. The attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework would fall under the category of privilege escalation through resource exhaustion or memory corruption techniques. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to patched versions of libming or implementing input validation measures that prevent malformed swf files from reaching the vulnerable parsing functions. Additionally, deploying network segmentation and application whitelisting controls can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation of this vulnerability in production environments.