CVE-2007-1246 in MPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
The DMO_VideoDecoder_Open function in loader/dmo/DMO_VideoDecoder.c in MPlayer 1.0rc1 and earlier, as used in xine-lib, does not set the biSize before use in a memcpy, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a buffer overflow and possibly execute arbitrary code, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-1387.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1246 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the multimedia processing subsystem of MPlayer 1.0rc1 and earlier versions when integrated with xine-lib. This issue manifests in the DMO_VideoDecoder_Open function located in the loader/dmo/DMO_VideoDecoder.c source file, where the biSize member of a BITMAPINFOHEADER structure is not properly initialized before being utilized in a memcpy operation. The flaw occurs during video decoding processes when the application attempts to copy data into a buffer without first establishing the correct size parameters for the bitmap information structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the absence of proper input validation and initialization within the video decoder component. When processing specially crafted multimedia files, attackers can manipulate the biSize field to trigger a buffer overflow condition that occurs during the memcpy operation. This uninitialized variable allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running MPlayer versions prior to 1.0rc2 and xine-lib implementations that incorporate this flawed code path.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to users who process multimedia content from untrusted sources. The attack requires user interaction to initiate processing of maliciously crafted media files, making it a user-assisted remote code execution vulnerability. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially full system compromise, as demonstrated by similar buffer overflow exploits in multimedia processing libraries. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities in media decoders are particularly dangerous due to their potential for widespread exploitation across various platforms and applications that rely on common multimedia libraries.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper initialization of memory structures. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through multimedia applications, and T1203 for exploitation of input validation flaws in media processing components. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing strict input validation measures for multimedia content processing. Mitigation strategies include updating to MPlayer 1.0rc2 or later versions, implementing network-level filtering of multimedia content, and deploying application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of vulnerable components. Additionally, security teams should monitor for similar patterns in other multimedia processing libraries and ensure comprehensive testing of input validation mechanisms within media handling code.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper memory initialization and input validation in multimedia processing libraries. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor initialization errors in complex software systems can lead to severe security consequences, particularly in components that handle untrusted input data. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive code review processes and automated testing methodologies that specifically target memory safety issues in multimedia and networking applications.