CVE-2007-6402 in Mpeg-4 Codec
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in mplayerc.exe in Media Player Classic (MPC) 6.4.9, when used with the 3ivx 4.5.1 or 5.0.1 codec, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a certain .mp4 file, possibly a related issue to CVE-2007-6401.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6402 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Media Player Classic version 6.4.9 when processing media files through the 3ivx 4.5.1 or 5.0.1 codec implementation. This flaw exists within the mplayerc.exe executable component of the media player software, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted media files. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the player encounters specially constructed .mp4 files that trigger improper buffer handling during codec decoding processes. The issue is particularly concerning as it leverages the 3ivx codec ecosystem which was widely distributed and used in various multimedia applications, making the attack surface expansive and potentially affecting numerous end-user systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic stack buffer overflow mechanism where insufficient input validation allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries in the program's memory space. When the 3ivx codec processes the malformed .mp4 file, it fails to properly validate the size of data being read from the file structure, leading to memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent stack variables and potentially the return address of the calling function. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow to malicious code injected by the attacker, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable Media Player Classic application. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6402 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors on compromised systems. The widespread adoption of Media Player Classic and the 3ivx codecs meant that this vulnerability could affect numerous users across different operating systems, particularly those running Windows platforms where the software was commonly deployed. The remote exploitation capability eliminates the need for physical access to target systems, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability for enterprise environments where media file handling is common in multimedia applications, video conferencing systems, and digital content delivery platforms. The related nature to CVE-2007-6401 indicates a pattern of codec-related vulnerabilities in the 3ivx ecosystem that required comprehensive patching across multiple software components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected Media Player Classic installations and the 3ivx codec components, as well as implementing network-based security controls to prevent access to potentially malicious media files. Organizations should deploy application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized media player components and implement network segmentation to limit exposure to external threats. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. Security administrators should also consider disabling automatic media file playback in web browsers and email clients, implementing content filtering solutions to scan media files before delivery, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in multimedia processing components. System monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and potential buffer overflow indicators that may precede exploitation attempts.