CVE-2018-1169 in Music Player
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Amazon Music Player 6.1.5.1213. 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-5521.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1169 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within Amazon Music Player version 6.1.5.1213 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 utilized in system call operations. The flaw exists at the intersection of insufficient sanitization and unsafe execution practices, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring local system access. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of external URI schemes that are registered within the system, allowing attackers to craft malicious URIs that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from CWE-74, which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and more specifically CWE-78, "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command." The Amazon Music Player application fails to properly validate and sanitize user-provided URI parameters before incorporating them into system commands, creating a condition where attacker-controlled input can directly influence the execution flow of system-level operations. When a user visits a malicious webpage or opens a crafted file containing a specially formatted URI, the application's URI handler processes this input without adequate validation, leading to command injection that executes with the privileges of the current process. This privilege escalation occurs because the application runs with elevated permissions to perform music-related system operations, making the attack vector particularly dangerous.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a complete remote control mechanism over the affected system. The exploitation requires only user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns or when delivered through compromised websites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, modify system files, steal user credentials, or establish persistent access to the target system. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects a widely distributed media player application, increasing the potential number of vulnerable targets. According to ATT&CK framework category T1059.007, this vulnerability maps directly to "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell," as the exploitation involves execution of system commands through the command-line interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1169 should focus on immediate patching of the Amazon Music Player application to version 6.1.5.1214 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the URI handler validation issue. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URI patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites or opening unknown files, as these represent the primary attack vectors for this vulnerability. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized applications and monitor for unusual system command executions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper input validation and secure coding practices are essential in preventing command injection attacks, particularly in applications that interact with external URI schemes and system-level operations.