CVE-2018-25355 Overview
CVE-2018-25355 is a local buffer overflow vulnerability in Audiograbber 1.83, a Windows CD ripping application. Attackers exploit the flaw by supplying oversized input in the Interpret or Album fields, which overruns a fixed-size stack buffer. The overflow overwrites Structured Exception Handler (SEH) pointers, allowing attackers to redirect execution to attacker-controlled shellcode. Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the running Audiograbber process. The weakness is classified under [CWE-120] (Classic Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input).
Critical Impact
Local attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution by injecting shellcode through SEH overwrite in metadata input fields.
Affected Products
- Audiograbber 1.83 (Windows)
- Earlier builds sharing the same metadata input handling routines
- Systems where Audiograbber processes untrusted CD metadata or saved project files
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-23 - CVE-2018-25355 published to NVD
- 2026-05-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2018-25355
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Audiograbber's handling of user-supplied metadata strings. The Interpret (artist) and Album fields lack length validation before being copied into a fixed-size stack buffer. When input length exceeds the destination buffer, adjacent stack memory is overwritten, including the SEH chain registration record. Attackers control both the Next SEH pointer and the SEH handler pointer through precisely placed bytes in the oversized input. When an exception is triggered after the overflow, the corrupted handler is dispatched, transferring execution to attacker-supplied code.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of bounds checking on string copy operations targeting the metadata input buffers. The application relies on unsafe C runtime functions or equivalent inline copies without enforcing the destination buffer size. Compiler protections such as /GS stack cookies and SafeSEH are not effective in this build, leaving SEH overwrite a viable exploitation primitive.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local access. An attacker prepares a malicious project file, playlist, or pasted CD metadata containing an oversized Interpret or Album string with embedded shellcode and SEH overwrite gadgets. When the victim opens the file or loads the metadata in Audiograbber, the buffer overflow triggers, an exception fires, and the attacker-controlled SEH handler executes the payload. Code runs with the privileges of the local user running the application.
A proof-of-concept demonstrating the SEH overwrite is documented in the public Exploit-DB #44903 entry and the VulnCheck Audiograbber Advisory. No verified patch code is published for inclusion here.
Detection Methods for CVE-2018-25355
Indicators of Compromise
- Audiograbber process (audiograbber.exe) crashing with access violation exceptions referencing corrupted SEH chains
- Unexpected child processes spawned by audiograbber.exe, such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or unsigned binaries
- Audiograbber configuration or project files containing unusually long Interpret or Album metadata strings
- Outbound network connections from audiograbber.exe to non-standard destinations
Detection Strategies
- Monitor Windows Error Reporting and application crash logs for repeated audiograbber.exe exceptions with SEH-related fault addresses
- Apply behavioral identification rules that flag process injection or shellcode execution originating from media application processes
- Inspect saved Audiograbber project and metadata files for fields exceeding expected length thresholds
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line and process-creation auditing (Sysmon Event ID 1) for media and ripping applications
- Alert on audiograbber.exe spawning interpreters, shells, or scripting engines
- Track file writes to Audiograbber configuration directories from untrusted sources
How to Mitigate CVE-2018-25355
Immediate Actions Required
- Restrict execution of Audiograbber 1.83 to trusted users and avoid opening untrusted project or metadata files
- Apply application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized execution of the vulnerable binary
- Enforce Data Execution Prevention (DEP) system-wide to raise the cost of shellcode execution
Patch Information
No vendor security patch is referenced in the available advisories. Verify the latest release on the AudioGrabber Official Site and consult the VulnCheck Audiograbber Advisory for remediation guidance. Until a fixed version is confirmed, treat the application as unpatched and apply compensating controls.
Workarounds
- Uninstall Audiograbber 1.83 on systems that do not require it and replace it with an actively maintained CD ripping application
- Run Audiograbber inside a low-privilege user account or sandbox to limit the impact of successful exploitation
- Block import of project files and metadata originating from untrusted sources via endpoint policy
- Enable Windows Exploit Protection mitigations including DEP, ASLR, and SEHOP for audiograbber.exe
# Enable SEHOP and DEP for audiograbber.exe via PowerShell
Set-ProcessMitigation -Name audiograbber.exe -Enable SEHOP,DEP,ForceRelocateImages,BottomUp
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
