CVE-2012-2089 in nginx
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ngx_http_mp4_module.c in the ngx_http_mp4_module module in nginx 1.0.7 through 1.0.14 and 1.1.3 through 1.1.18, when the mp4 directive is used, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory overwrite) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted MP4 file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2089 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the nginx web server's ngx_http_mp4_module component. This module handles mp4 video file streaming and processing, making it a potential attack vector for remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects specific versions of nginx including releases from 1.0.7 through 1.0.14 and 1.1.3 through 1.1.18, creating a substantial attack surface across multiple stable releases. The flaw manifests when the mp4 directive is enabled in nginx configuration, which is commonly used for serving video content through the HTTP protocol.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs in the ngx_http_mp4_module.c source file where insufficient input validation and boundary checking are performed on MP4 file structures. When nginx processes a specially crafted MP4 file, the module fails to properly validate the size and structure of various MP4 atoms, leading to memory corruption. This vulnerability operates at the memory management level where stack or heap buffer overflows occur, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking in the parsing logic that handles MP4 file metadata, particularly within the moov atom processing which contains crucial movie header information. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious MP4 files that contain oversized or malformed atom sizes that exceed the allocated buffer space.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2089 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling remote code execution. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can cause nginx processes to crash, resulting in service disruption and denial of service attacks against legitimate users. However, the more severe implications involve arbitrary code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain control over the affected web server. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on nginx for serving video content, as attackers could potentially compromise entire server infrastructures. The vulnerability affects both the stability and security posture of affected systems, creating opportunities for persistent attacks and unauthorized access to sensitive server resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2089 primarily involve immediate patching of affected nginx installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should prioritize updating to nginx versions 1.0.15, 1.1.19, or later releases that address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as disabling the mp4 directive in nginx configurations when MP4 streaming is not required provides an effective workaround. Security monitoring should include detection of malformed MP4 files being served through nginx, particularly when the mp4 module is enabled. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious MP4 file patterns and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of web server configurations and software versions are essential to maintain protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.