CVE-2019-7576 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 InitMS_ADPCM in audio/SDL_wave.c (outside the wNumCoef loop).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7576 affects Simple DirectMedia Layer versions prior to 1.2.15 and 2.x versions prior to 2.0.9, representing a critical heap-based buffer over-read condition within the audio subsystem. This flaw exists in the InitMS_ADPCM function located in the audio/SDL_wave.c source file, specifically occurring outside the wNumCoef loop structure. The vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during the processing of Microsoft ADPCM audio format files, where the application fails to validate the number of coefficients specified in the audio header against the actual buffer size available for processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a classic buffer over-read scenario where the SDL library attempts to read data beyond the allocated memory boundaries when parsing Microsoft ADPCM audio files. The flaw manifests during the initialization phase of audio processing when the library encounters malformed or specially crafted audio files that contain incorrect coefficient counts. This over-read condition can lead to information disclosure, application instability, or potentially remote code execution depending on the specific implementation and memory layout. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs in the core audio initialization routine, meaning any application using SDL for audio processing could be affected when loading malicious audio files.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to applications that utilize SDL for multimedia processing, including games, media players, and multimedia applications across multiple platforms. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious audio files that trigger the buffer over-read condition, potentially leading to denial of service attacks or information leakage. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application crashes, as it may allow attackers to extract sensitive memory contents or manipulate program flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and could be leveraged in accordance with ATT&CK technique T1059 for code execution or T1499 for denial of service through memory corruption.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2019-7576 requires immediate updating of SDL libraries to versions 1.2.15 or 2.0.9 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer over-read condition. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation for audio file formats, particularly when dealing with Microsoft ADPCM files, by ensuring coefficient counts are properly bounded before memory access operations. Security measures should include runtime bounds checking, memory sanitization, and input validation routines that verify header fields against expected ranges. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected SDL versions and implement patch management procedures to ensure timely remediation. The fix typically involves adding proper validation checks before the wNumCoef loop and ensuring that the number of coefficients does not exceed the available buffer space, thereby preventing the over-read condition from occurring during audio file initialization.