CVE-2011-3935 in ffmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The codec_get_buffer function in ffmpeg.c in FFmpeg before 0.10 allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via vectors related to a crafted image size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3935 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework, specifically in the codec_get_buffer function located in the ffmpeg.c file. This critical flaw affects versions of FFmpeg prior to 0.10 and represents a significant security risk due to its potential for remote code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability manifests when processing crafted image size parameters that trigger unexpected behavior in the buffer allocation mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's memory handling processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the codec_get_buffer function, which fails to properly sanitize or verify image size parameters provided by external sources. When FFmpeg encounters a malformed image size specification, the function does not appropriately handle boundary conditions or excessive memory allocation requests, leading to potential buffer overflow conditions or memory corruption scenarios. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of buffer overflow conditions, specifically involving stack-based or heap-based buffer overflows that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation that allows attackers to manipulate the application's internal memory management systems through carefully crafted malicious input data.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3935 extends far beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of FFmpeg. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web browsers that utilize FFmpeg for multimedia processing, media servers, content management systems, or any application that incorporates FFmpeg for video and audio processing. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given FFmpeg's widespread adoption across numerous platforms and applications, potentially affecting millions of users. Attackers can craft specially formatted media files that, when processed by the vulnerable FFmpeg library, trigger the buffer allocation flaw and enable remote code execution with the privileges of the affected application. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3935 primarily focus on immediate version updates to FFmpeg 0.10 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer handling issues in the codec_get_buffer function. System administrators should prioritize updating all installations of FFmpeg and dependent applications that may be vulnerable to this attack vector. Additionally, implementing network-level restrictions such as content filtering and media validation can provide additional layers of protection by preventing potentially malicious media files from reaching systems that process multimedia content. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious patterns in media file processing activities and implement proper input sanitization measures for all external media content. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on defending against software exploitation techniques that target buffer overflows and memory corruption vulnerabilities.