CVE-2009-1791

Heap-based buffer overflow in aiff_read_header in libsndfile 1.0.15 through 1.0.19, as used in Winamp 5.552 and possibly other media programs, allows remote…

published May 26, 2009

CVSS
—
EPSS
7%
Percentile
93.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky heap-based buffer overflow lurks in libsndfile! This vulnerability can be triggered by an AIFF file with an invalid header, causing applications like Winamp to crash unexpectedly. 🔥 Think of a restaurant with a menu item that requires a specific ingredient. If the chef receives a dish order missing that ingredient, they might just create a mess instead of dinner — this vulnerability allows attackers to send a malformed file that crashes the application, just like a mix-up in the kitchen! An attacker could send a specially crafted AIFF file that causes the application to crash, leading to a denial of service. In the worst case, it could even allow remote code execution, opening the door for malicious activities. That’s like having your favorite restaurant serve up a side of chaos instead of your meal!

Put simply

Think of a restaurant with a menu item that requires a specific ingredient. If the chef receives a dish order missing that ingredient, they might just create a mess instead of dinner — this vulnerability allows attackers to send a malformed file that crashes the application, just like a mix-up in the kitchen! This heap-based buffer overflow occurs in the aiff_read_header function of libsndfile versions 1.0.15 through 1.0.19. It allows remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability via an AIFF file with an invalid header, potentially leading to application crashes or arbitrary code execution.

What to do

An attacker could send a specially crafted AIFF file that causes the application to crash, leading to a denial of service. In the worst case, it could even allow remote code execution, opening the door for malicious activities. That’s like having your favorite restaurant serve up a side of chaos instead of your meal! Upgrade to libsndfile version 1.0.20 or later to patch this vulnerability. Ensure that your media applications are using the most secure versions available, and consider implementing input validation to catch these malformed AIFF files before they cause chaos. You've got this! By taking these steps, you can keep your applications safe and your users happy! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.06533 · 93.8th percentile
Published
2009-05-26T17:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 26 MAY 17:00Z
    Heap-based buffer overflow in aiff_read_header in libsndfile 1.0.15 through 1.0.19, as used in Winamp 5.552 and possibly other media programs, allows remote…
    cvelistv5