CVE-2024-41445 in mdflib
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2024
Library MDF (mdflib) v2.1 is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overread via a crafted mdf4 file is parsed using the ReadData function
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41445 affects the MDF (Measurement Data Format) library version 2.1, specifically within its mdflib component. This issue represents a critical heap-based buffer overread that occurs when processing maliciously crafted mdf4 files through the ReadData function. The MDF format is widely used in automotive and industrial data acquisition systems for storing measurement data from various sensors and testing equipment, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for environments where such data processing is critical.
The technical flaw manifests as a heap-based buffer overread condition when the ReadData function attempts to parse malformed mdf4 files. This occurs due to insufficient bounds checking during the parsing process, allowing an attacker to craft specific file structures that cause the application to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the library's data parsing routines, creating a scenario where arbitrary memory access can occur. This type of vulnerability typically arises when developers fail to properly validate the size of incoming data structures before processing them, leading to potential information disclosure, application crashes, or in more severe cases, remote code execution depending on the broader system context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly across industries that rely on MDF file processing for data analysis and system monitoring. Automotive testing environments, manufacturing quality control systems, and scientific data acquisition platforms that utilize mdflib for processing measurement data are all at risk. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by preparing a malicious mdf4 file that, when processed by an application using the vulnerable library, would trigger the buffer overread condition. This could result in denial of service through application crashes, information leakage through memory content exposure, or potentially more severe consequences if the system allows for arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected application. The vulnerability affects systems where the mdflib library is integrated, including embedded systems, desktop applications, and server-based data processing platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-41445 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected mdflib library to version 2.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overread condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures and file sanitization procedures for all mdf4 files processed by systems using this library. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all systems utilizing mdflib to identify potential attack surfaces and ensure proper application hardening measures are in place. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and may potentially map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation through memory corruption vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing measures to reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.