CVE-2012-2787 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the decode_frame function in libavcodec/indeo4.c in FFmpeg before 0.11 and Libav 0.8.x before 0.8.4 has unknown impact and attack vectors, related to the "setup width/height."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2787 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's video decoding component, specifically in the decode_frame function located in libavcodec/indeo4.c. This flaw affects versions prior to FFmpeg 0.11 and Libav 0.8.x versions before 0.8.4, representing a critical security gap in video processing software that powers countless applications including media players, streaming platforms, and content management systems. The vulnerability is categorized under the broader class of unspecified flaws that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise when processing maliciously crafted video content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of setup width and height parameters during video frame decoding operations. When the decode_frame function processes Indeo 4 video streams, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the width and height values provided in the video stream headers. This insufficient input validation creates a potential buffer over-read condition that can be exploited by attackers who craft specially formatted video files designed to trigger the vulnerable code path. The flaw operates at the codec level where the video decoder attempts to allocate memory or process data structures based on malformed width and height parameters, potentially leading to memory corruption that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous digital platforms and services that rely on FFmpeg or Libav for video processing capabilities. Media servers, content delivery networks, streaming applications, and multimedia applications all represent potential attack surfaces where an adversary could exploit this weakness to compromise systems. The vulnerability's unspecified nature means that attack vectors could range from simple denial of service conditions to full remote code execution depending on the specific implementation details and system configurations. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal video playback operations without requiring special user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2787 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the FFmpeg and Libav development communities. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of FFmpeg 0.11 or later, and Libav 0.8.4 or later to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing input validation measures such as restricting video file formats, applying strict content filtering, and employing sandboxing techniques can provide additional defensive layers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) classifications, which are commonly targeted by attackers in multimedia processing exploits. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be mapped to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, with potential use of T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) tactics in exploitation scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.