CVE-2011-1087 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in VideoLAN VLC media player 1.0.5 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted .mp3 file that is played during bookmark creation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1087 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within VideoLAN VLC media player version 1.0.5 that exposes users to significant security risks. This vulnerability specifically manifests during the processing of media files when the application attempts to create bookmarks, creating a dangerous scenario where maliciously crafted media content can trigger system instability. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the audio file parsing component, particularly affecting the handling of mp3 file formats during bookmark creation operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow condition where the application fails to properly bounds-check data when processing specially crafted mp3 files. When VLC attempts to parse the metadata or audio data within these malicious files, it allocates insufficient memory buffers to accommodate the unexpected data structures. This insufficient memory allocation creates a condition where subsequent data writes overflow into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical application memory structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when data is written beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The attack vector requires user interaction through the playback of a specifically crafted mp3 file, making it a user-assisted remote attack rather than a fully automated threat.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the application to crash and terminate unexpectedly, resulting in denial of service for legitimate users. However, the more severe implication occurs when the overflow corrupts memory in such a way that attackers can manipulate program execution flow, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution on the target system. This capability transforms the vulnerability from a mere inconvenience into a serious security threat that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects all systems running VLC media player 1.0.5, making it a widespread concern across various operating systems including windows linux and macos platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of VLC media player, as version 1.1.0 and later releases contain proper input validation and memory management fixes. Organizations should implement robust patch management procedures to ensure all instances of the vulnerable software are updated promptly. Additionally, security practitioners should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, particularly in environments where users might encounter untrusted media content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers execution through manipulation of loaded libraries, and T1059 which encompasses scripting and command execution. Network administrators should also consider implementing content filtering solutions to prevent automatic playback of potentially malicious media files, particularly in enterprise environments where user behavior cannot be fully controlled.