Heap-Based Buffer Overflow in FAAD2 Package - CVE-2018-19502
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2018-19502: An issue was discovered in Freeware Advanced Audio Decoder 2 (FAAD2) 2.8.1. Affects faad2 versions < 2.9.0-r0. Fixed in 2.9.0-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
FAAD2 (Freeware Advanced Audio Decoder) is a widely used audio decoding library that supports various audio formats, including AAC. It is known for its efficiency and high-quality audio playback. However, versions prior to 2.9.0-r0 are vulnerable to a heap-based buffer overflow, which can lead to severe security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19502 is a heap-based buffer overflow found in the function excluded_channels() within the libfaad/syntax.c file of FAAD2 version 2.8.1. This flaw allows an attacker to exploit the buffer overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or crashes. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.9.0-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade faad2Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate updating is not feasible, consider disabling the use of the affected function or limiting the input size to prevent exploitation. However, this is not a permanent solution and should only be a temporary measure.
Conclusion
The CVE-2018-19502 vulnerability in the FAAD2 package poses significant risks due to a heap-based buffer overflow. It is crucial to update to the patched version 2.9.0-r0 to mitigate these risks. For real-time monitoring of open-source vulnerabilities, consider using Vulert, which can alert you to potential issues without requiring code access.
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FAQ
CVE-2018-19502 is a vulnerability in the FAAD2 audio decoder that allows for a heap-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or application crashes, posing significant security risks.
Yes, the patch is available in version 2.9.0-r0 of the FAAD2 package. Updating to this version will resolve the vulnerability.
If you cannot update the package, consider implementing temporary workarounds such as disabling the affected function or limiting input sizes.
References
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