CVE-2019-9767 in Free MP3 CD Ripper
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Free MP3 CD Ripper 2.6, when converting a file, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .wma file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9767 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within Free MP3 CD Ripper version 2.6 that manifests during the processing of media files. This vulnerability specifically occurs when the application attempts to convert audio files, creating a potential attack vector that can be exploited by remote adversaries who can manipulate the input file format. The flaw exists within the application's handling of Windows Media Audio files with the .wma extension, which serves as the primary attack payload for this particular vulnerability.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the audio conversion module of the Free MP3 CD Ripper software. When processing a specially crafted .wma file, the application fails to properly bounds-check the data being read into a fixed-size stack buffer, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of malicious code through the manipulation of application input parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the victim's system. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can gain full control over the affected system, potentially enabling them to install malware, modify system files, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access. The user-assisted nature of this attack means that the vulnerability requires some form of social engineering or user interaction to initiate the exploitation process, typically involving the victim opening or processing a maliciously crafted .wma file through the vulnerable software. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted media files or where automated file processing occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9767 should prioritize immediate software updates from the vendor, as the most effective solution involves patching the vulnerable application to implement proper bounds checking and memory management practices. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly by restricting user access to the vulnerable software and monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. Additional protective measures include deploying application whitelisting solutions that prevent execution of untrusted code, implementing sandboxing techniques for media file processing, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other media processing applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in applications that handle user-provided media content, as highlighted by industry best practices in secure software development lifecycle methodologies.