CVE-2012-0023 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in the get_chunk_header function in modules/demux/ty.c in VideoLAN VLC media player 0.9.0 through 1.1.12 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted TiVo (TY) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2021
The CVE-2012-0023 vulnerability represents a critical double free error in VideoLAN VLC media player's handling of TiVo (TY) format files. This flaw exists within the get_chunk_header function located in modules/demux/ty.c, affecting versions 0.9.0 through 1.1.12 of the popular media player software. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices where the same memory block gets freed twice during the processing of malformed TY files, creating a condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic heap corruption scenario where the double free occurs during the demultiplexing process of TiVo format streams. When VLC encounters a specially crafted TY file, the get_chunk_header function fails to properly validate input data structures before attempting memory deallocation operations. This flaw aligns with CWE-415, which specifically addresses double free conditions in memory management, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices for resource management. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper input validation and memory handling can lead to memory corruption that may be leveraged for more severe exploits.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for users who may unknowingly encounter maliciously crafted TiVo files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or peer-to-peer networks. The remote exploitation capability means attackers do not need physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where media files are frequently shared and processed. The potential for arbitrary code execution, while not guaranteed, represents a serious concern as heap corruption can often be leveraged to achieve privilege escalation or system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as the potential for code execution creates opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems. Organizations using vulnerable versions of VLC are at risk of experiencing unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, or further network compromise. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where media processing is common, including digital signage systems, media servers, and content delivery networks. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected VLC versions, implementation of file type restrictions, and network-based filtering to prevent execution of potentially malicious media files. Additionally, security awareness training for users handling media content and regular vulnerability assessments of media processing applications are essential defensive measures against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.