CVE-2018-19432 in libsndfile
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in libsndfile 1.0.28. There is a NULL pointer dereference in the function sf_write_int in sndfile.c, which will lead to a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19432 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within the libsndfile library version 1.0.28. This issue resides in the sf_write_int function located in the sndfile.c file, which is a core component of the library responsible for audio file format handling and manipulation. The libsndfile library serves as a comprehensive audio file I/O library that supports numerous audio formats including wav, aiff, and flac, making it widely adopted across various multimedia applications and systems. The flaw manifests when the function attempts to dereference a pointer that has not been properly initialized or validated, creating a potential crash condition that can be exploited by malicious actors.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during audio data writing operations when the sf_write_int function fails to validate pointer references before attempting to access them. When an application using libsndfile processes malformed or specially crafted audio files, the library's internal state becomes corrupted, leading to the NULL pointer dereference that ultimately results in program termination. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19432 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can effectively disrupt audio processing workflows across numerous applications that depend on libsndfile. Systems utilizing this library for audio file conversion, playback, or editing processes become vulnerable to crashes that can result in complete service interruption. The vulnerability affects applications ranging from professional audio editing software to embedded systems that handle audio processing, potentially creating cascading failures in environments where audio processing is critical. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious audio files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, will trigger the NULL pointer dereference and cause the target application to crash. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in server environments or applications that process untrusted audio input from users or external sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19432 should prioritize immediate library updates to versions that have patched the NULL pointer dereference issue, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators and developers should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications that utilize libsndfile 1.0.28 or earlier versions, ensuring that proper patch management procedures are implemented across all affected systems. Additionally, implementing input validation mechanisms and sanitization routines can provide defensive measures against malformed audio files that might trigger the vulnerability. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which covers endpoint denial of service attacks, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing cybersecurity frameworks that address service availability threats. Organizations should also consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures for handling service disruption events caused by this type of vulnerability.