Security Issue with FLAC Audio Codec
Loss free audio codecs are gaining in popularity with device manufacturers; right now, a vulnerability in the Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) spoils users listening pleasure.
Security researchers with iDefense have identified vulnerabilities that could cause heap-based overflows in several of the Flac codec’s components. To exploit the security holes an attacker would need to send a carefully crafted audio file to the user. If successful, the attacker would be able to execute arbitrary code and thus compromise the machine.
The bug, which is rated as moderately critical by security reviewers Secunia, affects all systems and applications that use the free codec. An update for Flac to version 1.2.1 resolves the issue. Binaries and source code packages are available from the project website, and software vendors are already starting to update their applications.
Issue 18: Free From XP/Special Editions
Buy this issue as a PDF
Tag Cloud
News
-
Password Management Services Vulnerable to Attack
Should you trust an online service to store your online passwords?
-
New Raspberry Pi Adds Two USB Ports
New B+ board lets you build cool things without the complication of a powered USB hub.
-
Microsoft Grabs No-IP.com Domains
Redmond rushes in to root out alleged malware haven.
-
Firefox Steps into 3D
New initiative will bring futuristic virtual reality effects to the web surfing experience.
-
New Trojan Targets Online Banking
Dyreza malware launches a man-in-the-middle attack that compromises SSL.
-
HP Rolls Out Massive Cloud Network
New cloud combines worldwide access with local attention to data security.
-
New Attack Targets Wireless Logins
A first cousin of the recent Heartbleed attack affects EAP-based wireless and peer-to-peer authentication.
-
Geeks Petition for Free Lenovo BIOS
FOSS community acts to protect freedom of choice for laptop devices.
-
Firefox Says Yes to DRM
Quintessential open source browser shores up its market share with a step toward the proprietary dark side.
-
Webcam Hijackers Busted
Authorities in 16 countries take action against users of the imfamous BlackShades malware tool.