Integer Overflow Vulnerability in Ffmpeg Package: Denial of Service Risk
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2020-20898: Integer Overflow vulnerability in function filter16_prewitt in libavfilter/vf_convolution.c in Ffmpeg 4.2.1, allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service or other unspecified impacts. Affects qtwebengine-opensource-src versions 5.9.1+dfsg-4 – 5.9.5+dfsg-0ubuntu2. No fix is published. 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
Background
Ffmpeg is a widely-used open-source multimedia framework that enables users to record, convert, and stream audio and video. It supports various formats and codecs, making it a versatile tool for media processing. However, it is susceptible to vulnerabilities that can compromise its functionality and security. The specific vulnerability in question arises from an integer overflow in the filter16_prewitt function within the libavfilter component, which can lead to severe consequences if exploited.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-20898, originates from an integer overflow in the filter16_prewitt function located in libavfilter/vf_convolution.c of Ffmpeg version 4.2.1. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate input data, potentially leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) or other unspecified impacts. The technical nature of this vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and memory management in software development, as improper handling can result in critical security issues.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit the input data size or implement additional input validation checks before processing to mitigate the risk of exploitation until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The integer overflow vulnerability in the Ffmpeg package poses significant risks, including potential Denial of Service attacks. Users are strongly advised to update to the patched version to mitigate these risks. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities is crucial, and tools like Vulert can assist in maintaining software security.
See every vulnerability recorded for qtwebengine-opensource-src →
FAQ
CVE-2020-20898 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the Ffmpeg package that can lead to Denial of Service attacks.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
The vulnerability can result in Denial of Service, causing the application to crash or become unresponsive.
Yes, a patched version of Ffmpeg is available. Users should update to version 7:4.2.7-0ubuntu0.1+esm3.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for qtwebengine-opensource-src.
