CVE-2008-0485 in MPlayer
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in libmpdemux/demux_mov.c in MPlayer 1.0 rc2 and earlier might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a QuickTime MOV file with a crafted stsc atom tag.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0485 represents a critical array index error within the MPlayer media player software, specifically in the libmpdemux/demux_mov.c component responsible for handling QuickTime MOV file format parsing. This flaw exists in MPlayer versions 1.0 rc2 and earlier, making it a significant security concern for users who process multimedia content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing the stsc atom tag within MOV files, which is a crucial metadata structure used to map sample numbers to chunk offsets in QuickTime format containers. The stsc atom contains information about how samples are stored within chunks, and improper handling of this data can lead to memory corruption issues.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious actor crafts a specially designed QuickTime MOV file containing an malformed stsc atom tag. When MPlayer attempts to parse this crafted file, the array index error manifests as a buffer overflow or out-of-bounds memory access, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the media player. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and represents a classic example of an integer overflow or underflow condition that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper bounds checking in the demuxing process, where the software fails to validate the size and structure of the stsc atom before attempting to access array elements.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to users who frequently process multimedia content from unknown or untrusted sources, particularly in environments where MPlayer is used for automated media processing or as part of larger multimedia applications. The remote execution aspect means that simply opening a maliciously crafted MOV file could result in code execution without any additional user interaction beyond the initial file opening. Attackers could potentially deliver these malicious files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised media sharing platforms. The impact extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, especially when MPlayer is run with elevated privileges or in automated processing environments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers the use of malicious files to gain code execution in target systems.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2008-0485 requires immediate patching of affected MPlayer installations to version 1.0 rc3 or later, where the array index error has been corrected through proper bounds checking and input validation of the stsc atom parsing logic. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies for multimedia content, particularly when processing files from external sources, and consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms to isolate media processing activities. Organizations should also establish automated patch management procedures to ensure that all instances of MPlayer are updated promptly when security patches become available. Additionally, network security controls such as content filtering and file type validation should be implemented to prevent potentially malicious MOV files from reaching end users. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in multimedia processing libraries, as similar flaws could exist in other components that handle structured media file formats.