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 9184 of biosig.c on the current master branch (35a819fa), when the Tag is 131: else if (tag==131) //0x83 { // Patient Age if (len!=7) fprintf(stderr,"Warning MFER tag131 incorrect length %i!=7\n",len); curPos += ifread(buf,1,len,hdr);
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-25670
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability EUVD-2025-25670 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 for arbitrary code execution when a specially crafted MFER file is processed. The severity of this vulnerability is rated at a base score of 9.8 according to CVSS 3.1, indicating a critical risk. The vector string 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, meaning the vulnerability is exploitable remotely.
- Attack Complexity (AC:L): Low, indicating that the attack is relatively straightforward to execute.
- Privileges Required (PR:N): None, meaning no special privileges are needed to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI:N): None, indicating that no user interaction is required.
- Scope (S:U): Unchanged, meaning the vulnerability does not affect other systems.
- 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 malicious MFER file to the system using libbiosig. This file can be crafted to exploit the buffer overflow vulnerability, leading to arbitrary code execution. Potential exploitation methods include:
- Phishing Attacks: Sending a malicious MFER file via email or other communication channels.
- Web-Based Attacks: Hosting the malicious file on a website and enticing users to download it.
- Supply Chain Attacks: Compromising a legitimate source of MFER files to distribute the malicious file.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects the following versions of libbiosig:
- libbiosig 3.9.0
- libbiosig Master Branch (35a819fa)
Any system or application that uses these versions of libbiosig for MFER file parsing is at risk.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Patch Management: Apply the latest patches and updates from 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 ensure they conform to expected formats and sizes.
- Network Security: Use network security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and block suspicious traffic.
- User Education: Educate users about the risks of downloading and opening files from untrusted sources.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential security issues.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly in sectors that rely on libbiosig for processing biomedical signals. Healthcare institutions, research facilities, and any organization using biomedical signal processing software are at risk. The potential for arbitrary code execution can lead to data breaches, system compromises, and disruptions in critical services.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
The vulnerability manifests on line 9184 of biosig.c in the current master branch (35a819fa), specifically when the Tag is 131 (0x83). The code snippet below shows the vulnerable section:
else if (tag==131) //0x83
{
// Patient Age
if (len!=7) fprintf(stderr,"Warning MFER tag131 incorrect length %i!=7\n",len);
curPos += ifread(buf,1,len,hdr);
}
The issue arises from the lack of proper bounds checking on the len variable, which can lead to a buffer overflow. Security professionals should focus on:
- Code Review: Conduct a thorough code review to identify similar issues in other parts of the codebase.
- Fuzz Testing: Use fuzz testing to identify additional vulnerabilities in the MFER parsing functionality.
- Secure Coding Practices: Ensure that all input handling code adheres to secure coding practices, including proper bounds checking and input validation.
By addressing these technical details, security professionals can help mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability and enhance the overall security posture of systems using libbiosig.
Conclusion
EUVD-2025-25670 is a critical vulnerability that requires immediate attention from organizations using libbiosig. By implementing the recommended mitigation strategies and adhering to best practices in cybersecurity, organizations can protect themselves from potential exploits and maintain the integrity and security of their systems.