CVE-2008-4686 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in ty.c in the TY demux plugin (aka the TiVo demuxer) in VideoLAN VLC media player, probably 0.9.4, might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted .ty file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-4654.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4686 represents a critical security flaw in the VideoLAN VLC media player's TY demux plugin, specifically within the ty.c file component. This issue affects version 0.9.4 and potentially other variants of the media player software, creating a significant risk for remote code execution when processing specially crafted .ty files. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during file parsing operations, which creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially gain unauthorized system access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability manifests as multiple integer overflows occurring within the TiVo demuxer plugin's parsing logic. When VLC encounters a malformed .ty file, the integer overflow conditions can lead to memory corruption that allows attackers to control program execution flow. These integer overflows typically occur during buffer size calculations or loop counter manipulations where the software fails to properly validate input data ranges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which directly enables attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code remotely.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4686 extends beyond simple media playback functionality, as it transforms VLC into a potential attack vector for remote exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious .ty files that, when opened by vulnerable VLC versions, trigger the integer overflow conditions and execute malicious payloads. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or network shares. The remote execution capability makes this particularly dangerous for users who frequently process untrusted media content or visit compromised websites.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability differs from CVE-2008-4654, indicating separate code paths and attack surfaces within the same software ecosystem. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a remote code execution technique through software exploitation, specifically targeting the application layer. Organizations using VLC media player should prioritize immediate patching and deployment of updated versions that address the integer overflow conditions in the TY demux plugin. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and content filtering measures to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious media files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in multimedia processing libraries, where memory safety issues can directly translate to system compromise.