CVE-2021-25387 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
An improper input validation vulnerability in sflacfd_get_frm() in libsflacextractor 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-2021-25387 represents a critical improper input validation flaw within the sflacfd_get_frm() function of the libsflacextractor library. This issue affects versions prior to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 and specifically targets the mediaextractor process where attackers can leverage this weakness to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input parameters passed to the sflacfd_get_frm() function, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized code within the context of the mediaextractor process. Such a flaw is particularly dangerous as it operates at the core of audio file processing functionality, where legitimate media extraction operations can be manipulated to serve malicious purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting specially formatted input data that bypasses normal validation checks within the sflacfd_get_frm() function. This function processes FLAC audio files and extracts frame data during the media extraction process, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to inject malicious payloads. The improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate memory structures or control flow within the processing pipeline, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software design that can lead to various security issues including code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that media processing libraries often run with elevated privileges to handle file operations and system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-25387 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems through the mediaextractor process. This vulnerability can be exploited in scenarios where users process untrusted audio files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where media files are frequently handled or downloaded from external sources. The attack can be initiated through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms where FLAC audio files are present. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of media processing applications as attack vectors. The exploitation chain typically involves preparing malicious FLAC files that trigger the buffer overflow or memory corruption conditions within the sflacfd_get_frm() function, leading to arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the libsflacextractor library to the SMR MAY-2021 Release 1 or subsequent versions that contain the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures and perform regular security assessments of media processing components within their systems. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional layers of protection by limiting the execution scope of potentially compromised mediaextractor processes. Security monitoring should focus on unusual file processing activities or unexpected code execution patterns within media handling applications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust software supply chain security measures to prevent exploitation of similar flaws in third-party libraries. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of media processing workflows should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses that could provide attackers with similar execution privileges.