CVE-2018-1167 in Music Player
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Spotify Music Player 1.0.69.336. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the processing of URI handlers. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5501.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1167 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Spotify Music Player version 1.0.69.336 that demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue. This vulnerability operates through the application's URI handler processing mechanism, where user-supplied strings are not adequately validated before being used in system call operations. The flaw exists within the application's handling of external URI schemes, which are commonly used for deep linking and integration with other applications. When a malicious URI is processed, the application fails to sanitize the input, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the privileges of the current user process. This represents a significant security weakness in the application's architecture, as it directly exposes the system to remote exploitation through crafted web content or file attachments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in data queries, and CWE-78, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in operating system commands. The attack vector requires user interaction, making it a client-side exploit that typically manifests when users visit malicious websites or open compromised files containing specially crafted URIs. The exploitation process involves crafting a malicious URI that, when processed by the vulnerable Spotify client, triggers the execution of unintended system commands. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of scripting languages to execute commands, and T1203, which covers exploitation for client execution through web-based attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows attackers to execute code with the same privileges as the Spotify application itself, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the target environment. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's machine, potentially leading to data theft, system modification, or the installation of additional malicious software. The fact that user interaction is required means that the attack typically occurs through social engineering tactics such as phishing emails containing malicious links or compromised websites that redirect users to exploit the vulnerability. The vulnerability affects the application's trust model, where legitimate URI schemes are being exploited to bypass security controls. Organizations using Spotify in enterprise environments may face significant risks, as this vulnerability could be leveraged to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the network. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used media player application demonstrates how seemingly benign software can contain critical security flaws that impact millions of users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1167 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Spotify client version, as well as implementing network-level controls to prevent access to known malicious domains. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized URI handlers and enforce strict input validation for all external data processing. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in handling user-supplied data and external inputs. System administrators should monitor for suspicious URI patterns and implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious sites. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the risks of visiting untrusted websites or opening unknown file attachments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and the importance of maintaining current versions of software applications. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring to detect unusual system command executions that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include verifying that the patched version properly validates all URI inputs and that system call operations are properly sanitized to prevent command injection attacks.