Critical Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in FFmpeg and Libav Packages
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2016-10192: Heap-based buffer overflow in ffserver.c in FFmpeg before 2.8.10, 3.0.x before 3.0.5, 3.1.x before 3.1.6, and 3.2.x before 3.2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by leveraging failure to check chunk size... Affects libav versions 6:0.8.7-1ubuntu2 – 6:9.20-0ubuntu0.14.04.1+esm1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
FFmpeg is a widely used open-source software suite for handling multimedia data, including audio and video processing. It provides libraries and tools for encoding, decoding, transcoding, muxing, demuxing, streaming, filtering, and playing almost anything that humans and machines have created. The vulnerability in question affects specific versions of FFmpeg and Libav, which are essential for multimedia applications, allowing remote attackers to exploit the software due to insufficient validation of chunk sizes.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-10192, is a heap-based buffer overflow found in the ffserver component of FFmpeg prior to version 2.8.10, as well as in versions 3.0.x before 3.0.5, 3.1.x before 3.1.6, and 3.2.x before 3.2.2. This flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting the failure to properly check the size of incoming data chunks. The ramifications of this vulnerability are severe, as it could lead to unauthorized access, data corruption, or complete system compromise.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can disable the ffserver component if it is not needed for their application. This can be done by removing or renaming the ffserver configuration files to prevent it from running.
Conclusion
The CVE-2016-10192 vulnerability poses a significant risk to users of FFmpeg and Libav due to its potential for remote code execution. It is crucial for users to update their software to the latest patched versions to protect against exploitation. Additionally, utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-10192 is a critical vulnerability in FFmpeg and Libav that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code due to a heap-based buffer overflow.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data corruption, or complete system compromise, making it critical to address.
Yes, patched versions of FFmpeg and Libav are available. Users should update to the latest versions to mitigate the risk.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical level of severity.
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