CVE-2019-7578 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 InitIMA_ADPCM in audio/SDL_wave.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7578 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the Simple DirectMedia Layer library, a widely-used cross-platform development library for multimedia applications. This issue affects SDL versions 1.2.15 and earlier, as well as 2.0.9 and earlier in the 2.0.x series, making it a persistent concern across multiple generations of the library. The flaw specifically resides within the InitIMA_ADPCM function located in the audio/SDL_wave.c source file, where improper bounds checking allows for memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability manifests when processing audio files that utilize IMA ADPCM compression format, which is commonly found in various multimedia applications and games that rely on SDL for audio handling. This type of buffer over-read vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 category of Out-of-Bounds Read, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as the heap-based nature of the over-read creates opportunities for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. When an application processes a maliciously crafted audio file containing IMA ADPCM data, the InitIMA_ADPCM function fails to properly validate the input data length against the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory reads that extend beyond the intended boundaries. This behavior can lead to information disclosure through data leakage from adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing sensitive information such as stack canaries, heap metadata, or other application data. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as applications using SDL may inadvertently execute malicious code when processing compromised audio files. Furthermore, the heap corruption resulting from this over-read can be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution, particularly in environments where memory layout can be manipulated or when combined with other vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7578 primarily focus on immediate version updates to SDL 1.2.16 or 2.0.10 and later releases, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and systems utilizing affected SDL versions, particularly those handling multimedia content or audio processing. Implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within applications that interface with SDL audio functions provides an additional layer of protection. Security teams should also consider deploying runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust software supply chain security practices. Additionally, developers should adopt secure coding practices including the use of static analysis tools and code reviews to identify similar buffer handling issues within their own codebases, as the vulnerability serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor input validation flaws can lead to significant security implications in multimedia processing applications.