CVE-2022-27823 in libsapeextractor
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
Improper size check in sapefd_parse_meta_HEADER_old function of libsapeextractor library prior to SMR Apr-2022 Release 1 allows out of bounds read via a crafted media file.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-27823 resides within the libsapeextractor library, specifically in the sapefd_parse_meta_HEADER_old function which is part of a software module designed to process media files. This flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the application fails to properly validate the size of data structures before processing them. The issue affects versions of the library prior to the April 2022 Security Maintenance Release, indicating that it was a known weakness that persisted for several months before remediation. The vulnerability manifests when processing specially crafted media files that contain malformed metadata headers, creating a scenario where the parsing function attempts to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries.
This improper size check vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of "Improper Validation of Array Index" and specifically relates to buffer over-read conditions that can lead to information disclosure or system instability. The technical flaw occurs because the sapefd_parse_meta_HEADER_old function does not adequately verify that the metadata header size specified in the media file matches the actual size of the data being read. When an attacker crafts a media file with a manipulated header size field, the function proceeds to read beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially accessing adjacent memory locations that may contain sensitive data or system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. An attacker who successfully triggers this out-of-bounds read could potentially extract confidential information from memory, including encryption keys, user credentials, or other sensitive data stored in adjacent memory segments. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted media files. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1555.003 for Credentials from Password Stores, as it could potentially expose sensitive information that might be used in subsequent attack phases.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the April 2022 Security Maintenance Release which includes proper bounds checking and validation mechanisms for the sapefd_parse_meta_HEADER_old function. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as input validation for media files, sandboxing of media processing operations, and regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting. Network segmentation and file type filtering can provide additional layers of protection by limiting the potential attack surface and preventing untrusted media files from reaching systems that process them. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in preventing buffer over-read conditions that can compromise system security and data integrity.