CVE-2018-14049 in libwav
Summary
by MITRE
An issue has been found in libwav through 2017-04-20. It is a SEGV in the function print_info in wav_info/wav_info.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14049 represents a critical segmentation fault within the libwav library version 2017-04-20 and earlier. This issue manifests specifically within the print_info function located in the wav_info/wav_info.c source file, where improper handling of input data leads to a memory access violation that terminates the application process. The libwav library serves as a fundamental component for processing wav audio files, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for applications that rely on proper audio file handling and validation.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the print_info function, which fails to properly handle malformed or unexpected wav file structures. When the function processes certain audio file inputs, it attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or validated, resulting in a segmentation fault that crashes the executing process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which encompasses out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that can lead to denial of service or potentially more severe exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the code does not adequately check array bounds or validate file structures before attempting to access memory regions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems that utilize libwav for audio file processing, particularly in environments where untrusted input files might be processed. The segmentation fault can be exploited to cause denial of service attacks against applications that depend on libwav functionality, potentially disrupting audio processing workflows, media servers, or any system that handles wav file operations. Attackers could craft malicious wav files designed to trigger this specific segmentation fault, leading to service disruption and potential system instability. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in server environments where automated audio file processing occurs, as it could be leveraged to repeatedly crash services or applications that process user-uploaded audio content.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2018-14049 involves immediate upgrading to a patched version of the libwav library where the print_info function has been properly hardened against malformed input. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all applications that utilize the affected library version and implement patch management procedures to ensure timely remediation. Additionally, implementing input validation layers at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar issues. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, as it can be exploited to disrupt audio processing services through controlled input manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for segmentation fault occurrences and establish incident response procedures to handle potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.