CVE-2007-0017 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple format string vulnerabilities in (1) the cdio_log_handler function in modules/access/cdda/access.c in the CDDA (libcdda_plugin) plugin, and the (2) cdio_log_handler and (3) vcd_log_handler functions in modules/access/vcdx/access.c in the VCDX (libvcdx_plugin) plugin, in VideoLAN VLC 0.7.0 through 0.8.6 allow user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in an invalid URI, as demonstrated by a udp://-- URI in an M3U file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0017 represents a critical format string vulnerability affecting the VideoLAN VLC media player version 0.7.0 through 0.8.6. This issue manifests in multiple components of the VLC codebase where log handler functions process user-supplied input without proper validation or sanitization. The vulnerability specifically impacts the CDDA (libcdda_plugin) and VCDX (libvcdx_plugin) plugins, which handle audio and video CD playback respectively. These plugins contain functions that directly incorporate user-provided data into format string operations, creating an avenue for malicious input to be interpreted as executable code rather than simple text.
The technical flaw stems from improper input handling within the cdio_log_handler function located in modules/access/cdda/access.c and the cdio_log_handler and vcd_log_handler functions in modules/access/vcdx/access.c. When VLC processes media files, particularly those containing malformed URIs such as the demonstrated udp://-- URI in M3U playlists, the affected functions fail to properly escape or validate format specifiers contained within the input data. This allows attackers to inject format string specifiers that can be interpreted by the printf family of functions, potentially leading to stack-based buffer overflows or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-134 as "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell" when exploitation occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution through user-assisted attacks, meaning an attacker can cause arbitrary code execution simply by crafting a malicious M3U playlist containing specially formatted URIs. The attack vector requires a user to open a malicious playlist file, which makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted media content. The exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the VLC process. This vulnerability affects not only the local system but can also be leveraged in broader attack chains, particularly when VLC is used in automated systems or web applications that process user-uploaded media content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0017 should prioritize immediate patching of VLC installations to versions 0.8.7 and later where the format string vulnerabilities have been addressed. System administrators should implement strict input validation for all media playlist files and avoid opening untrusted M3U or other playlist files from unknown sources. Network security controls including firewalls and content filtering systems should be configured to block access to potentially malicious media content. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening media files from untrusted sources, and organizations should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for media processing applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with logging and error reporting functions that may be exposed to user-controlled data. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual network traffic patterns associated with media playback and log analysis for potential exploitation attempts.