Heap-Based Buffer Over-Read in libebml - CVE-2019-13615
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2019-13615: libebml before 1.3.6, as used in the MKV module in VideoLAN VLC Media Player binaries before 3.0.3, has a heap-based buffer over-read in EbmlElement::FindNextElement. Affects libebml versions < 1.3.6-r0. Fixed in 1.3.6-r0. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
libebml is a library used for reading and writing EBML (Extensible Binary Meta Language) files, which are commonly utilized in multimedia applications. It is a crucial component of the MKV module in VideoLAN VLC Media Player, enabling the handling of MKV files. The library is designed to efficiently parse and manage multimedia data, but it has been found to be vulnerable to a specific issue that could lead to security risks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13615 is a heap-based buffer over-read in the EbmlElement::FindNextElement function of libebml versions prior to 1.3.6. This flaw allows an attacker to exploit the library when it is used in applications like VLC Media Player, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or application crashes. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory, which could be manipulated to read beyond allocated buffers, exposing the application to various risks.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.3.6-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade libebmlTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling the use of the affected library in applications that rely on it, or use alternative libraries that do not exhibit this vulnerability until an update can be applied.
Conclusion
In summary, CVE-2019-13615 is a significant vulnerability in the libebml library that can lead to serious security implications if not addressed. Users are encouraged to update their packages to the latest patched versions and utilize tools like Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities in their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for libebml →
FAQ
CVE-2019-13615 is a vulnerability in the libebml library that allows for a heap-based buffer over-read, potentially leading to security risks in applications using this library.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or application crashes, impacting the overall security and stability of the application.
You can update libebml by running the command 'apk add libebml=1.3.6-r0' for versions 3.10, 3.11, and 3.8, or 'apk add libebml=1.3.5-r1' for version 3.7.
Vulert is a service that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json, providing real-time insights into potential security issues.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for libebml.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
