CVE-2012-2776 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the decode_cell_data function in libavcodec/indeo3.c in FFmpeg before 0.11 and Libav 0.8.x before 0.8.4 has unknown impact and attack vectors, related to an "out of picture write."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2776 represents a critical memory safety issue within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's video decoding component. This flaw exists in the decode_cell_data function located in libavcodec/indeo3.c, specifically affecting versions of FFmpeg prior to 0.11 and Libav 0.8.x prior to 0.8.4. The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-picture write condition that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise when processing maliciously crafted video content. The unspecified nature of the impact and attack vectors suggests that this vulnerability could be exploited through multiple pathways, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multimedia content is processed without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the decode_cell_data function, which processes video data in the Indeo 3 video codec format. When the decoder encounters malformed input data, it fails to properly validate the dimensions and memory boundaries of the video frame being constructed, resulting in writes that extend beyond the allocated picture buffer. This memory corruption issue directly relates to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations with controlled data, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code into the application's memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2776 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can enable remote code execution when exploited through multimedia applications that utilize FFmpeg or Libav libraries. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in web browsers, media players, and content management systems that automatically decode and display video content without proper input validation. Attackers can craft specially designed video files that trigger the buffer overflow during decoding, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, and T1059, which covers command and script injection through compromised applications. Systems running vulnerable versions of FFmpeg or Libav are at significant risk when processing untrusted video content, as the vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors including web-based exploits, email attachments, or malicious media files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2776 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to FFmpeg versions 0.11 or later and Libav versions 0.8.4 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the out-of-picture write condition. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and sandboxing mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth protection against potential exploitation attempts. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious multimedia content, while application developers should ensure that all multimedia processing components include proper bounds checking and memory validation routines. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia libraries and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures that include fuzzing and memory corruption analysis to identify similar issues in other components of the software stack.