Source: secalert@redhat.com
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in Sound eXchange (SoX) 14.4.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted WAV file to the (1) start_read or (2) AdpcmReadBlock function.
SoX 14.4.1 and earlier are vulnerable to heap-based buffer overflows, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code by crafting malicious WAV files. This vulnerability can lead to remote code execution (RCE), potentially compromising systems that process audio files and leading to complete system takeover.
Step 1: Payload Delivery: The attacker crafts a malicious WAV file containing specially crafted metadata, including oversized or malformed data within the WAV header, specifically targeting the start_read or AdpcmReadBlock functions.
Step 2: File Processing: The victim's system, running a vulnerable version of SoX, attempts to process the malicious WAV file.
Step 3: Vulnerability Trigger: The start_read or AdpcmReadBlock functions read the WAV file header and attempt to allocate memory on the heap based on the malicious size information provided in the header.
Step 4: Buffer Overflow: Due to the lack of proper bounds checking, the functions allocate a buffer that is too small. When the audio data is read into the buffer, the oversized data overwrites adjacent memory on the heap.
Step 5: Code Execution: The attacker's crafted data overwrites critical data structures, such as function pointers or control data, on the heap. This allows the attacker to redirect program execution to a location of their choosing, such as shellcode injected into the WAV file, resulting in remote code execution.
The vulnerability lies within the handling of WAV files in SoX, specifically in the start_read and AdpcmReadBlock functions. These functions fail to properly validate the size of data read from the WAV file's headers, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow. When a crafted WAV file with malicious metadata is processed, the functions attempt to allocate memory on the heap based on the invalid size information. If the provided size exceeds the allocated buffer, data is written beyond the allocated memory boundaries, overwriting adjacent heap structures. This allows an attacker to overwrite critical data structures, such as function pointers or control data, and ultimately execute arbitrary code. The root cause is a lack of bounds checking on user-supplied data within the WAV file format, leading to a classic buffer overflow condition.
There is no specific APT group or malware family definitively linked to the exploitation of this vulnerability. However, due to its potential for RCE, it could be leveraged by various threat actors. CISA KEV status: Not Listed.
Monitor file system activity for the creation or modification of WAV files, especially from untrusted sources.
Analyze network traffic for the transfer of WAV files, looking for unusual file sizes or characteristics.
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect changes to SoX binaries or related libraries.
Use intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures that detect known exploit patterns for this vulnerability.
Monitor process creation and execution, looking for suspicious processes spawned by SoX or related audio processing applications.
Examine system logs for errors or crashes related to SoX, particularly those involving memory allocation or file processing.
Upgrade to the latest version of SoX (14.4.2 or later) or a version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.
Implement input validation to ensure that all WAV files processed by SoX have valid headers and data sizes.
Restrict access to SoX and other audio processing tools to only authorized users and systems.
Apply the principle of least privilege to user accounts and processes that interact with SoX.
Use a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious requests if SoX is used in a web application.
Regularly scan systems for vulnerabilities and apply security patches promptly.
Consider using a sandboxing environment to isolate SoX and other audio processing applications from the rest of the system.