CVE-2025-14369 identifies an integer overflow vulnerability in the dr_flac audio decoder, part of the mackron dr_libs toolset. The vulnerability stems from the decoder's reliance on the totalPCMFrameCount field extracted from FLAC metadata without adequate validation. This field is used to calculate buffer sizes for audio data processing. If an attacker crafts a FLAC file with a manipulated totalPCMFrameCount value, it can cause an integer overflow or wraparound during buffer size calculation. This leads to memory corruption or allocation of insufficient buffer space, which can cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably, resulting in a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. The vulnerability affects version 0 of dr_flac, and no patches or fixes have been published yet. Exploitation requires the target application to process a maliciously crafted FLAC file, which does not require prior authentication or user interaction beyond file processing. While no active exploits have been reported, the flaw poses a risk to any software or systems that utilize dr_flac for audio decoding, particularly in environments where untrusted audio files are handled. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound), a common class of memory corruption bugs that can lead to stability issues or security breaches if exploited further. The absence of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on impact and exploitability factors.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for denial-of-service attacks against applications or services that use dr_flac for decoding FLAC audio files. This could disrupt media processing workflows, streaming services, or any software relying on this library for audio decoding. Organizations in sectors such as media production, broadcasting, telecommunications, and software development that incorporate dr_flac or related toolsets are at risk. The vulnerability could lead to application crashes or service interruptions, impacting availability and potentially causing operational downtime. While the vulnerability does not directly expose confidentiality or integrity risks, the resulting DoS could affect business continuity and user experience. Additionally, if dr_flac is embedded in larger software products or platforms, the ripple effect could be broader. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the ease of crafting malicious FLAC files means attackers could develop exploits quickly once the vulnerability is public. European entities handling large volumes of user-generated or third-party audio content are particularly vulnerable to exploitation attempts.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first identify whether their software stack includes dr_flac version 0 or any derivative products using this library. Until a patch is available, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for FLAC files, rejecting files with suspicious or malformed metadata. Employing sandboxing or containerization for applications that process untrusted audio files can limit the impact of potential crashes. Monitoring application logs for crashes or unusual behavior related to audio processing can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also engage with the mackron project or relevant vendors for updates and patches. Where feasible, replacing dr_flac with alternative, well-maintained audio decoding libraries that have undergone recent security audits can reduce risk. Additionally, educating developers and system administrators about the risks of processing untrusted media files and enforcing secure coding practices around buffer management will help prevent similar vulnerabilities.