CVE-2012-2788 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the avi_read_packet function in libavformat/avidec.c in FFmpeg before 0.11, and Libav 0.7.x before 0.7.7 and 0.8.x before 0.8.4, has unknown impact and attack vectors, related to an "out of array read" when a "packet is shrunk."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2788 represents a critical memory safety issue within multimedia processing libraries that affects widespread software ecosystems. This flaw resides in the avi_read_packet function located in libavformat/avidec.c within FFmpeg versions prior to 0.11 and Libav versions 0.7.x before 0.7.7 and 0.8.x before 0.8.4. The vulnerability manifests as an "out of array read" condition that occurs when a packet is shrunk during AVI file processing, creating a scenario where the software attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory corruption issues that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the packet handling mechanism of AVI file parsing. When FFmpeg or Libav processes AVI containers, the avi_read_packet function is responsible for reading and decoding packet data from the file structure. The "out of array read" condition typically occurs when the software assumes a packet size that exceeds the actual allocated buffer space, or when packet shrinking operations do not properly validate the new boundaries before accessing memory locations. This memory access violation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified impact and attack vectors suggests that the exact exploitation techniques and consequences were not fully characterized at the time of discovery, but the underlying memory corruption nature indicates significant security implications.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2788 extends across numerous software applications and systems that rely on FFmpeg or Libav for multimedia processing capabilities. Given that these libraries are integrated into popular media players, content management systems, video editing software, and server applications, the vulnerability poses a substantial risk to organizations handling AVI multimedia content. Attackers could potentially craft malicious AVI files that trigger the out of array read condition when processed by vulnerable applications, leading to system crashes, data corruption, or more severe exploitation outcomes. The widespread adoption of FFmpeg and Libav across different platforms and applications means that a single vulnerability can affect a large number of systems, making this issue particularly concerning from a security perspective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2788 primarily focus on upgrading to patched versions of FFmpeg and Libav libraries where the memory access validation has been corrected. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected software components to versions that contain the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within applications that utilize these libraries can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Organizations should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block malicious AVI files that might exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated libraries to ensure compatibility with existing applications while verifying that the vulnerability has been properly addressed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which addresses "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions, and represents a typical example of how multimedia processing libraries can become attack vectors when memory safety checks are insufficient. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a software vulnerability exploitation technique that could lead to privilege escalation or system compromise through memory corruption attacks.