CVE-2019-16705 in libming
Summary
by MITRE
Ming (aka libming) 0.4.8 has an out of bounds read vulnerability in the function OpCode() in the decompile.c file in libutil.a.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-16705 represents a critical out of bounds read flaw within the Ming library version 0.4.8, specifically within the decompile.c file in the libutil.a component. This issue manifests in the OpCode() function where the library fails to properly validate array indices before accessing memory locations, creating a potential pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions. The Ming library is widely used for processing and generating flash content, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for applications that handle untrusted SWF files or other multimedia content processed through this library.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the OpCode() function, which processes opcode data during the decompilation of flash content. When the library encounters malformed or malicious input data, the absence of proper validation allows the function to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, specifically classified as an out of bounds read condition that can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially remote code execution depending on the execution context and memory layout. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors.
Operationally, this vulnerability impacts any software systems that utilize the Ming library for processing untrusted multimedia content, including web applications, content management systems, and multimedia processing tools. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious SWF files or other flash content that, when processed by vulnerable applications, triggers the out of bounds read condition. The consequences range from application instability and crash conditions to potential information leakage that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Systems that automatically process user-uploaded content or handle third-party multimedia files are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple file upload attacks without requiring user interaction or complex social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the Ming library to version 0.4.9 or later, which contains the necessary bounds checking fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures for all multimedia content processed through affected systems, including the use of sandboxing techniques and restricted execution environments. Network-based defenses can include implementing content filtering rules that block suspicious SWF files or using web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, emphasizing the need for both defensive measures and monitoring of system behavior for signs of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all systems utilizing the Ming library remain protected against similar issues that may arise from improper memory handling in multimedia processing components.