CVE-2017-9410 in LAME
Summary
by MITRE
The fill_buffer_resample function in libmp3lame/util.c in LAME 3.99.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted wav file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9410 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the LAME MP3 encoding library version 3.99.5. This issue specifically affects the fill_buffer_resample function located in the libmp3lame/util.c source file, demonstrating how improper input validation can lead to severe system stability impacts. The vulnerability arises when the library processes specially crafted wav files that contain malformed audio data structures, causing the application to attempt reading beyond allocated memory boundaries during the resampling process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed wav file that triggers the buffer over-read condition within the fill_buffer_resample function. When LAME attempts to process such malicious input, the function fails to properly validate the size and structure of the incoming audio data, leading to memory access violations that result in application crashes and potential denial of service conditions. This flaw operates at the heap memory level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered remotely through file processing operations without requiring direct system access or user interaction.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to any system or application that relies on LAME for MP3 encoding operations, including media processing servers, audio conversion tools, and content management systems. The remote attack vector means that malicious actors can exploit this flaw simply by uploading or processing a specially crafted wav file, potentially causing widespread service disruption across multiple platforms. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual application crashes to potentially affect entire infrastructure components that depend on reliable audio processing capabilities.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that have been increasingly targeted in recent years. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution tactic, as it enables remote code execution through application-level exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of LAME, implementing input validation controls, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts.
The remediation approach for CVE-2017-9410 requires comprehensive patch management across all systems utilizing LAME 3.99.5 or earlier versions, with particular attention to server environments that process user-uploaded audio content. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for audio processing operations, establishing strict input validation procedures, and conducting regular security assessments of third-party libraries to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust memory management practices and the necessity of thorough input validation in multimedia processing applications that handle user-supplied content.