CVE-2019-14732 in AdPlug
Summary
by MITRE
AdPlug 2.3.1 has multiple heap-based buffer overflows in Ca2mLoader::load() in a2m.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14732 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within AdPlug version 2.3.1, specifically affecting the Ca2mLoader::load() function in the a2m.cpp source file. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and memory management when processing certain audio file formats, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to exploit the software's handling of specially crafted media files. The flaw manifests during the loading process of specific A2M (AdPlug 2.3.1) format files, where the application fails to properly bounds-check data structures before copying them into allocated memory buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory allocation and data handling practices within the audio file parser. When the Ca2mLoader::load() function processes malformed A2M files, it attempts to copy data into heap-allocated buffers without adequate validation of the source data length against the destination buffer size. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to craft malicious input files that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a common weakness in software security implementations. This particular variant demonstrates how improper memory management in multimedia parsing libraries can create severe security implications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers leveraging this flaw could potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, leading to complete system takeover or data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects users who process or play audio files through AdPlug 2.3.1, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted audio content. The exploitation vector requires the user to open or process a specially crafted A2M file, which aligns with common social engineering attack patterns that rely on user interaction. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious media files through email attachments, web downloads, or shared network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14732 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the buffer overflow issue. System administrators must ensure that all instances of AdPlug 2.3.1 are upgraded to patched releases that implement proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures and restricting file processing to trusted sources can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) highlights the need for endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs, while maintaining proper monitoring and alerting systems to detect anomalous behavior associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts.