CVE-2021-25384 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
An improper input validation vulnerability in sdfffd_parse_chunk_PROP() with Sample Rate Chunk in libsdffextractor library prior to SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on mediaextractor process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25384 represents a critical improper input validation flaw within the libsdffextractor library, specifically affecting the sdfffd_parse_chunk_PROP() function when processing Sample Rate Chunk data. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 and poses significant security risks to systems utilizing media extraction processes. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of input parameters during the parsing of sample rate chunks, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the mediaextractor process context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows for arbitrary code execution, which aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under code injection techniques. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-20, which encompasses improper input validation, a fundamental weakness that enables various attack vectors including buffer overflows and command injection scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the sdfffd_parse_chunk_PROP() function processes malformed or unvalidated sample rate chunk data without proper bounds checking or parameter validation. Attackers can craft malicious input that exploits the lack of input sanitization, potentially leading to memory corruption and subsequent arbitrary code execution within the mediaextractor process. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable privilege escalation and persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires the attacker to have the ability to influence the input stream that feeds into the libsdffextractor library, which may occur through manipulated media files or network-based attacks targeting the processing pipeline. This flaw demonstrates the importance of input validation in security-critical libraries and aligns with ATT&CK techniques that involve exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-25384 is substantial for organizations relying on media processing capabilities, particularly those handling multimedia content from untrusted sources. Systems utilizing the affected libsdffextractor library become vulnerable to remote code execution attacks that could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in media extraction processes means that any application or service that processes audio or video files through this library could be compromised, potentially affecting content delivery networks, media processing servers, and multimedia applications. Organizations must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their attack surface, as it could be leveraged as part of larger attack chains targeting other system components. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that all affected systems are updated to the patched SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 or equivalent security updates, while also implementing additional defensive measures to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the libsdffextractor library to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 or later versions that contain the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process multimedia content, particularly those that handle untrusted inputs. Input validation should be enhanced at multiple layers including application-level checks, network-based filtering, and runtime monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation, therefore organizations should deploy intrusion detection systems and security monitoring solutions capable of identifying suspicious patterns in media processing activities. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for media processing services and regular security assessments of multimedia handling components can help reduce the overall risk profile. The remediation efforts should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to address the arbitrary code execution vulnerability.