CVE-2019-14247 in mpg321
Summary
by MITRE
The scan() function in mad.c in mpg321 0.3.2 allows remote attackers to trigger an out-of-bounds write via a zero bitrate in an MP3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14247 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the mpg321 media player software version 0.3.2. This issue specifically affects the scan() function located in the mad.c file, which is responsible for parsing and analyzing MP3 audio files. The vulnerability occurs when the software encounters an MP3 file containing a zero bitrate value, creating a condition where memory operations extend beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The attack vector is remote, meaning malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by delivering specially crafted MP3 files to unsuspecting users, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted media content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the MP3 parsing logic. When the scan() function processes an MP3 file with a zero bitrate, it fails to properly validate the bitrate value before using it in memory allocation calculations. This oversight allows the software to attempt writing data to memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including critical program variables or function pointers. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through crafted media files, with the zero bitrate serving as the triggering mechanism that bypasses normal validation checks. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning in multimedia applications where file parsing is a core function and input sanitization must account for malformed or maliciously constructed media files.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14247 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it creates opportunities for remote code execution and system compromise. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious code into the memory space of the mpg321 process, potentially enabling full system control. The vulnerability affects any system running mpg321 version 0.3.2 that processes MP3 files, including desktop computers, servers, and embedded systems that utilize this media player for audio playback. In enterprise environments, this could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, privilege escalation, or the establishment of persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious payloads. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems at scale.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14247 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow vulnerability in the MP3 parsing logic. Users and system administrators should upgrade to mpg321 versions that include proper input validation for bitrate values and implement robust boundary checking mechanisms within the scan() function. Additional defensive measures include deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious MP3 file transfers, implementing strict file validation policies for media content, and using sandboxing techniques to isolate media processing operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through compromised software and privilege escalation, as the out-of-bounds write can be leveraged to gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted media processing applications and maintain regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in multimedia software components. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated software versions to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in functionality.