CVE-2024-23809 in libbiosig
Summary
by MITRE • 02/20/2024
A double-free vulnerability exists in the BrainVision ASCII Header Parsing functionality of The Biosig Project libbiosig 2.5.0 and Master Branch (ab0ee111). A specially crafted .vdhr file can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23809 represents a critical double-free condition within the BrainVision ASCII Header Parsing implementation of the libbiosig library version 2.5.0 and subsequent master branch commits. This flaw resides in the processing logic responsible for handling .vdhr files which are used in biomedical signal data format specifications. The vulnerability manifests when the library attempts to parse malformed header information, leading to improper memory management operations that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory deallocation patterns within the parsing routine. When processing a specially crafted .vdhr file, the library's header parsing code executes multiple free operations on the same memory block, creating a double-free scenario that can be leveraged to manipulate heap memory structures. This particular flaw aligns with CWE-415 which specifically addresses double free conditions in memory management. The vulnerability occurs during the parsing phase where the library allocates memory for header elements, processes them, and subsequently attempts to free the same memory locations multiple times.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides a pathway for arbitrary code execution within applications that utilize the affected libbiosig library. Attackers can craft malicious .vdhr files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, trigger the double-free condition and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This represents a significant escalation from a memory corruption vulnerability to a full remote code execution capability, particularly concerning applications in medical data processing and biomedical research environments where such files may be encountered.
Applications that integrate the libbiosig library for processing BrainVision data formats are at risk when they encounter untrusted .vdhr files. The attack vector requires the target application to process a maliciously crafted file, making this a classic example of a file-based vulnerability that can be exploited through social engineering or by compromising data sources. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of known vulnerabilities in software components. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where automated processing of biomedical data occurs, as the vulnerability can be triggered without user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-23809 should prioritize immediate patching of affected libbiosig versions, with the development team releasing updated library versions that correct the memory management implementation. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for .vdhr files, particularly in environments where external data sources are processed. Additional protective measures include application sandboxing, input validation at multiple layers, and monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and code review processes, particularly for libraries that handle file format parsing and data processing in security-sensitive environments. Regular security assessments of third-party libraries should include memory safety checks and verification of proper deallocation patterns to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into production systems.