CVE-2012-0854 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The dpcm_decode_frame function in libavcodec/dpcm.c in FFmpeg before 0.9.1 does not use the proper pointer after an audio API change, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via unspecified vectors, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0854 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the FFmpeg multimedia framework, specifically affecting the dpcm_decode_frame function in the libavcodec/dpcm.c component. This flaw emerged from a problematic code adaptation following an audio API change, creating a scenario where the software fails to properly manage memory pointers during audio decoding operations. The issue affects FFmpeg versions prior to 0.9.1, making it a significant concern for systems relying on older multimedia processing libraries. The vulnerability manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can be triggered remotely, potentially leading to application instability and system disruption.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper pointer management within the DPCM (Differential Pulse Code Modulation) audio decoding routine. When FFmpeg underwent an audio API transition, developers failed to correctly update the pointer references within the dpcm_decode_frame function, resulting in a scenario where memory operations reference invalid or stale memory locations. This pointer mismanagement creates a condition where heap memory allocation becomes corrupted, leading to unpredictable application behavior. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and multimedia processing, where audio data decoding routines must maintain strict pointer integrity to prevent memory corruption. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can escalate to heap-based buffer overflow scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0854 extends beyond simple application crashes to encompass broader system stability concerns and potential denial of service conditions. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious audio files or streams that trigger the faulty decoding path, causing the target application to crash or become unresponsive. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multimedia applications process untrusted input from external sources, such as web browsers, media players, or content management systems. The heap-based buffer overflow condition can potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities, though the immediate impact remains focused on service disruption and system instability. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on FFmpeg's audio decoding capabilities for DPCM format processing, including but not limited to media servers, streaming platforms, and multimedia applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0854 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to FFmpeg version 0.9.1 or later, where the pointer management issue has been corrected through proper API integration. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and ensuring all multimedia applications using FFmpeg libraries are updated to versions that contain the fix. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth protection, particularly for applications that process untrusted audio content. Network-level protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can help reduce the attack surface by limiting the exposure to potentially malicious audio streams. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough code review processes during API transitions and proper testing of multimedia processing components to prevent similar memory corruption issues from emerging in future software releases.