CVE-2019-7572 in Simple DirectMedia Layer
Summary
by MITRE
SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) through 1.2.15 and 2.x through 2.0.9 has a buffer over-read in IMA_ADPCM_nibble in audio/SDL_wave.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7572 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw within the Simple DirectMedia Layer library version 1.2.15 and 2.x through 2.0.9. This issue specifically affects the IMA_ADPCM_nibble function located in the audio/SDL_wave.c file, which processes audio data in the IMA ADPCM format. The flaw arises from inadequate bounds checking during the decompression of audio streams, creating a scenario where the application reads beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which defines buffer over-read conditions where an application accesses memory beyond the bounds of a buffer. The affected library is widely used across numerous applications and games that require multimedia capabilities, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited in various software environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when SDL processes audio files containing IMA ADPCM compressed data. The IMA_ADPCM_nibble function attempts to decode audio samples by processing nibble-sized data elements, but fails to properly validate the boundaries of the input buffer. When malformed or specially crafted audio files are processed, the function continues reading memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing application crashes. This over-read behavior can lead to information disclosure, as the function might access and return data from adjacent memory regions that contain other application data, stack contents, or even cryptographic keys. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because SDL is a foundational library that many applications depend upon for audio processing, creating a wide attack surface.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7572 extends beyond simple application instability, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the ATT&CK framework. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability through malicious audio files delivered via email attachments, compromised websites, or malicious software downloads. The buffer over-read could lead to arbitrary code execution if the over-read data contains executable code or if it allows for information disclosure that could be used in subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's presence in both SDL 1.x and 2.x versions means that a broad range of applications, from classic games to modern multimedia software, could be affected. This cross-version impact significantly increases the potential attack surface, as developers might not be aware that their applications are vulnerable due to the library's widespread adoption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7572 primarily involve updating to patched versions of the SDL library, specifically SDL 1.2.16 and SDL 2.0.10 or later, which contain proper bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators and developers should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify applications using affected SDL versions and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. Additional protective measures include implementing input validation for audio files, particularly those from untrusted sources, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation in multimedia libraries, as highlighted by the ATT&CK technique of privilege escalation through memory corruption. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where the vulnerable applications cannot be immediately patched.