CVE-2011-2588 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the AVI_ChunkRead_strf function in libavi.c in the AVI demuxer in VideoLAN VLC media player before 1.1.11 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted AVI media file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2011-2588 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in the VideoLAN VLC media player software. This issue resides within the AVI_ChunkRead_strf function located in the libavi.c file, which forms part of the AVI demuxer component responsible for parsing and processing AVI media files. The vulnerability affects VLC versions prior to 1.1.11, making it a significant concern for users who have not updated their installations. The flaw manifests when the software processes maliciously crafted AVI files that exploit improper bounds checking during the reading of stream format chunks within the AVI container format.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the AVI demuxer module. When VLC encounters a specially crafted AVI file, the AVI_ChunkRead_strf function fails to properly validate the size of data being read from the stream format chunk, leading to a situation where more data is written to a heap-allocated buffer than it can accommodate. This heap-based buffer overflow creates a condition where adjacent memory locations become overwritten, potentially corrupting critical program data structures and execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate media file processing, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit media player software.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2588 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability presents a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution. Attackers can craft malicious AVI files that, when opened by an unpatched VLC instance, will cause the application to crash or potentially allow remote code execution on the target system. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning in environments where users frequently download and play media content from untrusted sources. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1203 technique for exploitation of remote services, and the CWE-121 category for stack-based buffer overflow, though this specific case involves heap memory corruption. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running vulnerable versions of VLC, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems through media playback.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2588 primarily focus on immediate software updates and deployment of the patched versions of VLC media player. Users should upgrade to VLC version 1.1.11 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the heap-based buffer overflow. Additionally, system administrators should implement network-based controls to prevent the execution of untrusted media files, particularly in enterprise environments where users may be exposed to malicious content through email attachments or web downloads. Security professionals should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of media players from untrusted sources. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing software, aligning with industry standards such as the CWE guidelines for proper buffer management and the OWASP Top Ten security practices. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify and block attempts to exploit known vulnerabilities in media processing applications.