CVE-2018-14451 in libgig
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in libgig 4.1.0. There is a heap-based buffer overflow in the function RIFF::Chunk::Read in RIFF.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14451 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the libgig library version 4.1.0, specifically within the RIFF::Chunk::Read function located in RIFF.cpp. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking during the processing of RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) data structures, which are commonly used in audio file formats such as SF2 and SF3. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the memory layout of the affected application through crafted malicious input files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of data size calculations and memory allocation when reading chunk headers from RIFF formatted files. When the RIFF::Chunk::Read function processes incoming data, it fails to adequately validate the declared size of data chunks against the actual available buffer space, creating a condition where a maliciously crafted file can trigger a buffer overflow. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions that occur when insufficient bounds checking allows writing beyond allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through file-based attacks, where an attacker crafts a specially formatted RIFF file that, when processed by an application using libgig, triggers the overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14451 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential for remote code execution in applications that utilize libgig for audio file processing. This vulnerability affects any software that incorporates libgig version 4.1.0 and processes RIFF formatted audio files, including digital audio workstations, sound editing applications, and multimedia frameworks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering tactics, delivering malicious audio files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of command and scripting interpreters for execution, as the overflow could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities through malicious file formats, making it particularly concerning for multimedia applications and audio processing environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14451 should prioritize immediate patching of affected libgig versions, with the implementation of proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation and file validation policies to prevent unauthorized file processing, while application developers should ensure that all input data from external sources undergoes rigorous validation before processing. The fix typically involves implementing proper size validation checks and ensuring that memory allocation matches the actual data requirements, preventing the overflow condition from occurring. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file processing activities and implementation of sandboxing techniques for audio file handling to contain potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and dependency updates are essential to prevent similar issues from arising in other components of the software ecosystem.