Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in FFmpeg
Summary
CVE-2016-7562: The ff_draw_pc_font function in libavcodec/cga_data.c in FFmpeg before 3.1.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer overflow) via a crafted AVI file. Affects ffmpeg across 2 version ranges.
< 2.8.11-r0
< c46d22a4a58467bdc7885685b06a2114dd181c43
Fixed in 2.8.11-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
FFmpeg is a popular open-source multimedia framework that is widely used for handling audio, video, and other media formats. It provides a set of libraries and tools for encoding, decoding, and streaming media. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-7562, affects versions of FFmpeg before 3.1.4 and can lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack through a buffer overflow in the ff_draw_pc_font function in the cga_data.c file. This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers through a crafted AVI file.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises due to insufficient bounds checking in the ff_draw_pc_font function. When processing a specially crafted AVI file, FFmpeg fails to properly validate the input, leading to a buffer overflow. This can result in a DoS condition, causing the application to crash or become unresponsive. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges on a targeted system.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.8.11-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade ffmpegTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can consider disabling the processing of AVI files in FFmpeg or implementing strict input validation for AVI files before processing them. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation until the software is updated to a patched version.
Conclusion
The buffer overflow vulnerability in FFmpeg (CVE-2016-7562) can be exploited through a specially crafted AVI file, leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition or potential code execution. It is crucial to update FFmpeg to version 3.1.4 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Disabling AVI file processing or implementing strict input validation can serve as temporary workarounds. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
FFmpeg is an open-source multimedia framework used for handling audio, video, and other media formats. It provides libraries and tools for encoding, decoding, and streaming media.
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack, causing the application to crash or become unresponsive. It may also allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges.
To fix this vulnerability, update FFmpeg to version 3.1.4 or later. Ensure you obtain the updated version from the official FFmpeg website or through package managers for your operating system.
As a temporary workaround, you can disable the processing of AVI files in FFmpeg or implement strict input validation for AVI files before processing them.
For more information about this vulnerability, you can refer to the CVE-2016-7562 entry in the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) or the provided source link.
References
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