CVE-2008-4866 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in libavformat/utils.c in FFmpeg 0.4.9 before r14715, as used by MPlayer, allow context-dependent attackers to have an unknown impact via vectors related to execution of DTS generation code with a delay greater than MAX_REORDER_DELAY.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4866 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the FFmpeg multimedia processing library, specifically in the libavformat/utils.c file. This flaw exists in FFmpeg versions prior to r14715 and affects widely used media players including MPlayer that depend on FFmpeg for multimedia file handling. The vulnerability manifests when processing certain multimedia files that trigger DTS (Decoding Time Stamp) generation code with delays exceeding the MAX_REORDER_DELAY parameter, creating a context-dependent attack vector that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the multimedia processing pipeline where FFmpeg handles timestamp management for audio and video streams. When a media file contains specific patterns or configurations that cause the DTS generation algorithm to process delayed frames beyond the predefined maximum reorder delay, the code fails to validate buffer boundaries properly. This results in memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to stack smashing or heap corruption. The vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4866 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the potential to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Attackers can craft malicious media files that, when processed by vulnerable applications like MPlayer, trigger the overflow condition and potentially gain control over the executing process. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently download and play multimedia content from untrusted sources, as the attack can be initiated through simple media file playback without requiring user interaction beyond opening the file. The context-dependent nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation requires specific conditions related to the media file's structure and timing characteristics, but once these conditions are met, the impact can be severe.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of FFmpeg installations to versions including r14715 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should also implement application whitelisting and sandboxing measures to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, particularly in enterprise environments where media processing applications are prevalent. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through compromised media processing applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify malicious media files that may exploit this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all multimedia processing components remain patched and secure against similar buffer overflow conditions.