Description
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the MFER parsing functionality of The Biosig Project libbiosig 3.9.0 and Master Branch (35a819fa). A specially crafted MFER file can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.This vulnerability manifests on line 9205 of biosig.c on the current master branch (35a819fa), when the Tag is 133: else if (tag==133) //0x85 { curPos += ifread(buf,1,len,hdr);
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-25669
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability EUVD-2025-25669 is a stack-based buffer overflow in the MFER parsing functionality of The Biosig Project's libbiosig library, versions 3.9.0 and the Master Branch (35a819fa). This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code by providing a specially crafted MFER file. The severity of this vulnerability is rated at a base score of 9.8 using CVSS 3.1, indicating a critical risk. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H highlights the following:
- Attack Vector (AV:N): Network-based attack.
- Attack Complexity (AC:L): Low complexity required to exploit.
- Privileges Required (PR:N): No privileges required.
- User Interaction (UI:N): No user interaction required.
- Scope (S:U): Unchanged.
- Confidentiality (C:H): High impact on confidentiality.
- Integrity (I:H): High impact on integrity.
- Availability (A:H): High impact on availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector involves providing a maliciously crafted MFER file to the vulnerable system. This can be achieved through various means, such as:
- Phishing Emails: Sending an email with an attachment that exploits the vulnerability.
- Malicious Websites: Hosting the crafted file on a website and enticing users to download it.
- Supply Chain Attacks: Compromising a legitimate software update mechanism to deliver the malicious file.
Exploitation methods include:
- Buffer Overflow: Crafting an MFER file that overflows the buffer when parsed, leading to arbitrary code execution.
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): Executing malicious code on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects:
- libbiosig 3.9.0
- libbiosig Master Branch (35a819fa)
Any system or application that uses these versions of the libbiosig library for MFER file parsing is at risk. This includes but is not limited to:
- Medical Research Software: Applications that process biosignal data.
- Healthcare Systems: Devices and software that rely on biosignal processing.
- Research Institutions: Academic and research environments using the libbiosig library.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Patch Management: Apply the latest patches and updates provided by The Biosig Project. Ensure that all systems using libbiosig are updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability.
- Input Validation: Implement strict input validation for MFER files to prevent malicious files from being processed.
- Network Segmentation: Segregate critical systems from general network traffic to limit the attack surface.
- User Education: Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and the importance of verifying file integrity.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to monitor for suspicious activity that may indicate an attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The impact of this vulnerability on the European cybersecurity landscape is significant due to the widespread use of libbiosig in medical and research environments. Key concerns include:
- Data Breaches: Compromise of sensitive medical data, leading to privacy violations and potential legal repercussions under GDPR.
- System Integrity: Compromise of critical healthcare systems, affecting patient care and safety.
- Reputation Damage: Loss of trust in medical research institutions and healthcare providers.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
The vulnerability is located on line 9205 of biosig.c in the current master branch (35a819fa), specifically when the tag is 133 (0x85):
else if (tag==133) //0x85
{
curPos += ifread(buf,1,len,hdr);
}
The ifread function is called with a buffer (buf) and a length (len). If the length exceeds the buffer size, a stack-based buffer overflow occurs, leading to arbitrary code execution.
Detection and Monitoring:
- File Integrity Monitoring: Monitor for changes in MFER files and ensure they are from trusted sources.
- Log Analysis: Analyze logs for unusual activity related to MFER file processing.
- Behavioral Analysis: Use behavioral analysis tools to detect anomalous behavior that may indicate an exploit attempt.
Exploit Development:
- Fuzzing: Use fuzzing techniques to identify other potential vulnerabilities in the MFER parsing functionality.
- Static Analysis: Conduct static code analysis to identify similar issues in other parts of the codebase.
Incident Response:
- Containment: Isolate affected systems to prevent further spread.
- Eradication: Remove malicious files and apply patches.
- Recovery: Restore systems to a known good state and monitor for recurrence.
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust mitigation strategies, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect critical systems and data.