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CVE Record

CVE-2021-40426: A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the sphere.c start_read() functionality of Sound Excha...

A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the sphere.c start_read() functionality of Sound Exchange libsox 14.4.2 and master commit 42b3557e. A specially-crafted file can lead to a heap buffer overflow. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.

CriticalCVSS 10Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysis

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2021-40426 is a critical memory corruption flaw in Sound eXchange libsox. A malicious audio file can trigger a heap buffer overflow when processed. Business risk is highest where services automatically accept, convert, scan, or analyze untrusted audio files. Systems are most exposed if SoX/libsox processes untrusted or user-supplied audio, especially automated upload, transcoding, media pipeline, forensic, or archival workflows. Exposure is lower where SoX is absent or only handles trusted local files. Treat this as urgent where audio uploads or automated conversion exist. Prioritize patching internet-facing or customer-facing media workflows first, then internal batch processing systems that handle files from external parties. Mitigation focus: Inventory systems and applications that package or link Sound eXchange libsox.; Update SoX/libsox using Debian or other vendor security guidance.; For source builds, review upstream or vendor patches referenced by advisories..

Prepared

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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ATT&CK lookup starting points

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cwe · low confidence lookup

CWE-122: Exact CWE lookup

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cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2021-40426 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Critical
CVSS
10 (3.0)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
4Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
10CVSS 3.0CriticalCVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H3.96Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.0 score

10Critical
CVSS 3.0 vector shape for CVE-2021-40426Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Sound Exchangelibsox14.4.2, master commit 42b3557eListed
Weakness

CWE details

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.

CWE-122 · source CWE mapping

Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Heap-based Buffer Overflow represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.