CVE-2012-1264 in GOM Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Gretech GOM Media Player before 2.1.37.5091 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted AVI file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1264 represents a critical security flaw in the Gretech GOM Media Player software ecosystem. This issue affects versions prior to 2.1.37.5091 and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with multimedia player software that processes untrusted media content without adequate input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability exists within the media processing pipeline of the GOM Media Player, specifically in how it handles AVI file formats, creating an attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on affected systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient boundary checking and input validation within the AVI file parser component of the GOM Media Player. When a maliciously crafted AVI file is processed, the player fails to properly validate the file structure and content, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow through carefully constructed file headers and data sequences. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions, both of which are common precursors to arbitrary code execution exploits. The flaw essentially permits attackers to inject malicious code into the player's memory space during file processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1264 extends beyond simple remote code execution, creating a comprehensive threat vector that can be leveraged for persistent system compromise. Attackers can craft AVI files that, when opened by an unpatched GOM Media Player, trigger buffer overflow conditions or memory corruption patterns that allow for privilege escalation and system control. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms without requiring physical access to target systems. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for client execution, and demonstrates how multimedia applications can serve as initial access vectors in broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment to update GOM Media Player to version 2.1.37.5091 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and boundary checking mechanisms to prevent the exploitation scenario. Organizations should implement network-based controls including firewall rules that restrict access to media file downloads from untrusted sources and deploy application whitelisting policies that limit execution of unauthorized media player versions. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted media file attachments and verifying file sources before opening multimedia content. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious media file processing activities and network traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate similar flaws in multimedia and media processing software components.