CVE-2008-5259 in DivX Web Player
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in DivX Web Player 1.4.2.7, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a DivX file containing a crafted Stream Format (STRF) chunk, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5259 represents a critical integer signedness error within the DivX Web Player version 1.4.2.7 and potentially earlier releases. This flaw resides in the player's handling of DivX files, specifically when processing Stream Format chunks that contain crafted data. The issue stems from improper validation of integer values during the parsing of multimedia file structures, creating a condition where signed integer values are incorrectly interpreted as unsigned, leading to miscalculations in buffer allocation and memory management. Such errors in multimedia processing software are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited through maliciously crafted media files delivered over the internet, making them ideal candidates for remote code execution attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a heap-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when the DivX Web Player processes a specially crafted STRF chunk within a DivX file. The signedness error manifests when the player attempts to calculate buffer sizes or memory allocation parameters based on data extracted from the malicious file structure. When integer values that should be treated as unsigned are interpreted as signed, the resulting calculations produce incorrect buffer sizes that are insufficient to accommodate the actual data being processed. This leads to memory corruption when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, providing attackers with the opportunity to overwrite critical memory locations and inject malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5259 extends beyond simple exploitation as it represents a significant threat to web-based multimedia environments where DivX Web Player was widely deployed. Attackers could craft malicious DivX files that, when opened through the vulnerable player, would trigger the buffer overflow and potentially allow remote code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Execution" and represents a classic example of how multimedia processing libraries can serve as attack vectors. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also organizations that rely on web-based media playback, as it can be exploited through web browsers or other applications that integrate the DivX Web Player component. The exploitation typically requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or malicious website scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5259 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patch management, as the vulnerability was addressed through official patches released by DivX. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest versions of the DivX Web Player that contain fixes for the integer signedness error and heap buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, network-based mitigations such as content filtering and sandboxing of multimedia file processing can provide additional layers of protection. Security professionals should consider implementing browser security policies that disable automatic playback of DivX content and restrict the execution of plugins that handle multimedia files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and integer handling in multimedia processing applications, aligning with CWE guidelines that emphasize the need for robust integer overflow prevention mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially compromised systems, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access to affected environments through the execution of arbitrary code.