CVE-2004-1285 in MPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the get_header function in asf_mmst_streaming.c for MPlayer 1.0pre5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ASF video stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1285 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the MPlayer media player software version 1.0pre5 specifically affecting the asf_mmst_streaming.c component. This flaw manifests in the get_header function where insufficient input validation occurs when processing Advanced Systems Format ASF video streams. The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of user-supplied data during the parsing of ASF stream headers, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through maliciously crafted ASF content.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from the inadequate bounds checking mechanisms within the get_header function which processes the header information from ASF streaming media. When MPlayer encounters an ASF stream with specially crafted header data, the software fails to properly validate the length or content of incoming header fields before copying them into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow vulnerability allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates in a remote attack scenario, meaning attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring local system access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users who may unknowingly encounter malicious ASF streams during normal media playback operations. The remote execution capability means that simply opening a maliciously crafted ASF file could result in complete system compromise, making this a particularly dangerous flaw for widespread exploitation. The vulnerability affects the core streaming functionality of MPlayer, which was widely used across multiple operating systems and distributions during the early 2000s, amplifying the potential impact. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common attack vector that has been extensively documented in the cybersecurity community.
The exploitation of CVE-2004-1285 would typically follow an attack pattern consistent with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's execution tactics, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through compromised media processing components. Security researchers have noted that such buffer overflow vulnerabilities in multimedia applications often serve as initial access vectors for more sophisticated attacks, as they can be leveraged to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the high-risk category of cybersecurity threats, as it can be exploited across network boundaries without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious media content. Organizations and individuals using vulnerable versions of MPlayer should implement immediate mitigations including software updates, network segmentation, and content filtering measures to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.