CVE-2019-7574 in Simple DirectMedia Layer
Summary
by MITRE
SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) through 1.2.15 and 2.x through 2.0.9 has a heap-based buffer over-read in IMA_ADPCM_decode in audio/SDL_wave.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7574 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the Simple DirectMedia Layer library version 1.2.15 and 2.0.9. This issue specifically affects the IMA_ADPCM_decode function located in the audio/SDL_wave.c file, which processes audio data encoded using the IMA ADPCM format. The flaw occurs when the library attempts to decode malformed or maliciously crafted audio files that contain IMA ADPCM data, leading to improper memory access patterns that can result in system instability or potential code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the decoding process of IMA ADPCM audio data. When SDL processes audio files containing specially crafted IMA ADPCM streams, the decoder fails to properly validate the size and structure of the incoming data before attempting to read from allocated memory buffers. This oversight creates a scenario where the decoder may attempt to read beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries, causing a buffer over-read condition. The vulnerability manifests as a heap-based memory corruption issue that can be exploited by attackers who control the input audio data, particularly in applications that utilize SDL for audio processing.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to software applications that rely on SDL for multimedia functionality. The buffer over-read can lead to application crashes, denial of service conditions, or potentially allow remote code execution depending on the specific implementation and system configuration. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by providing malicious audio files to applications using SDL, potentially causing system instability or unauthorized code execution. The widespread adoption of SDL across various platforms and applications means that this vulnerability could affect numerous software systems, from gaming applications to multimedia players and embedded systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7574 should prioritize immediate patching of affected SDL versions to the latest stable releases that contain fixes for this buffer over-read issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and systems utilizing affected SDL versions, particularly those that process untrusted audio input. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and sandboxing techniques can help reduce the attack surface when dealing with external audio content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, particularly when considering potential exploitation paths through compromised applications. Regular security updates and proper code review processes that emphasize bounds checking and memory safety practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in multimedia processing libraries.