CVE-2019-7582 in libming
Summary
by MITRE
The readBytes function in util/read.c in libming through 0.4.8 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted swf file that triggers a memory allocation failure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7582 resides within the libming library version 0.4.8 and earlier, specifically in the readBytes function located in util/read.c. This library serves as a SWF (Small Web Format) file manipulation toolset that developers and security professionals utilize for processing and analyzing flash content. The flaw manifests when the library processes maliciously crafted SWF files that exploit memory allocation failures during the reading process, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the readBytes function, which fails to adequately validate input parameters when parsing SWF file structures. When a malicious SWF file is processed, the function attempts to allocate memory blocks based on malformed data contained within the file's header or data sections. This memory allocation failure creates a condition where the application may attempt to access invalid memory addresses or corrupt existing memory structures, resulting in unpredictable behavior that attackers can leverage for exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified impact reflects the potential for various outcomes including denial of service, information disclosure, or remote code execution depending on the specific memory corruption patterns encountered during exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that process untrusted SWF content, particularly web applications, content management systems, and security analysis tools that utilize libming for SWF file handling. Attackers can craft specially designed SWF files that trigger the memory allocation failure when processed by vulnerable applications, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote attack vector means that this vulnerability can be exploited through web browsers or other SWF processing applications without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SWF content is frequently encountered. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as memory corruption issues can provide attackers with opportunities to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7582 should prioritize immediate patching of libming to versions beyond 0.4.8 where the memory allocation handling has been corrected. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures for all SWF file processing, including content scanning and sandboxing techniques that isolate SWF processing environments from critical system resources. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent malicious SWF files from reaching vulnerable applications. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of length of input buffers, and may map to ATT&CK techniques involving execution through memory corruption vulnerabilities and privilege escalation through application flaws. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other systems that might be using vulnerable versions of libming and ensure that all SWF processing components are updated to mitigate this risk effectively.