Description Preview
Overview
Amarok 2.8.0, a popular KDE music player application, contains a memory leak vulnerability when processing M3U playlist files. An attacker can create a specially crafted M3U file that, when opened by a victim, causes the application to improperly manage memory resources. The application fails to free allocated memory properly, resulting in a continuous consumption of system resources. As the application runs, memory usage increases progressively until system resources are exhausted, leading to application performance degradation and eventual denial of service. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as M3U files are commonly shared and exchanged between users.
Remediation
- Update to the latest version of Amarok if a patched version is available.
- If updates are not available, implement the following mitigations:
- Exercise caution when opening M3U playlist files from untrusted sources
- Consider using alternative media players until a patch is released
- Monitor system resource usage when using Amarok and close/restart the application if memory usage grows abnormally
- Consider implementing application sandboxing or resource limitations to contain potential impact
- For developers: Review memory management in playlist processing code, ensuring proper allocation and deallocation of resources, particularly when handling M3U files.
References
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Packet Storm Security - Amarok 2.8.0 Denial Of Service: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159898/Amarok-2.8.0-Denial-Of-Service.html
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R00t Exploit Blog - KDE Amarok 2.8.0 Remote Denial of Service: https://r00texpl0it.wordpress.com/2020/05/20/kde-amarok-2-8-0-allows-remote-attackers-to-cause-a-denial-of-service/
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Common Weakness Enumeration - CWE-401: Memory Leak: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/401.html
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
