CVE-2018-18196 in libgig
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in libgig 4.1.0. There is a heap-based buffer over-read in RIFF::List::GetListTypeString in RIFF.cpp.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18196 resides within the libgig library version 4.1.0, a widely used open-source library for handling gigabyte audio file format files. This library serves as a critical component in various digital audio applications and music software, making its security implications particularly significant. The flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer over-read, a type of memory corruption vulnerability that occurs when a program attempts to read data from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This specific vulnerability is located within the RIFF::List::GetListTypeString function in the RIFF.cpp source file, which is responsible for parsing and processing RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) structures commonly found in audio file formats such as SF2 and SF3.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the GetListTypeString function. When processing malformed or specially crafted RIFF file structures, the function fails to properly validate the size of data being read from heap-allocated memory regions. This allows an attacker to provide malicious input that causes the program to read beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially accessing adjacent memory locations containing sensitive data or causing application crashes. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability indicates that the memory corruption occurs in the heap segment rather than on the stack, making it particularly challenging to predict and exploit consistently. The vulnerability represents a classic example of CWE-125, which defines buffer over-read conditions where programs access memory beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers, often leading to information disclosure or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment. When exploited, the buffer over-read could lead to information disclosure where adjacent memory contents are read and potentially exposed to attackers. This information might include sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or internal application state information. Additionally, the vulnerability could result in denial of service conditions where applications crash or become unresponsive due to memory corruption. Given that libgig is used in professional audio applications, music production software, and digital audio workstations, exploitation could disrupt critical creative workflows or potentially provide attackers with footholds for further system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running applications that utilize the libgig library for processing audio files, particularly those that handle RIFF-based formats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18196 should focus on immediate remediation through library updates, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases of libgig. System administrators and software vendors should prioritize updating to patched versions of the library to eliminate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within applications that utilize libgig can provide defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be maintained to limit potential exploitation opportunities, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as exploitation might involve crafting malicious audio files to trigger the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments.