CVE-2012-2792 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the decode_init function in libavcodec/wmalosslessdec.c in FFmpeg before 0.11 has unknown impact and attack vectors, related to the samples per frame.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2792 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's handling of audio decoding processes, specifically within the wmalosslessdec.c module. This issue affects the decode_init function which is responsible for initializing the decoding process for WMALossless audio streams. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the samples per frame parameter during the initialization phase of audio decoding, creating a potential security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors.
This technical flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the decoder fails to properly validate the samples per frame value before processing audio data. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a common weakness in multimedia processing libraries where input parameters are not adequately checked before being used to determine buffer sizes or iteration limits. The unspecified nature of the impact and attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability could potentially allow for arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions when processing specially crafted WMALossless audio files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple audio processing failures, as FFmpeg is widely integrated into various media applications, streaming platforms, and content management systems. When exploited, this vulnerability could enable attackers to cause application crashes, memory corruption, or potentially achieve remote code execution depending on the specific implementation and system configuration. The attack surface is broad given that FFmpeg is used in numerous applications including web browsers, media players, and server-side streaming solutions, making this a significant concern for organizations maintaining systems that process multimedia content.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as a critical threat due to the widespread use of FFmpeg in both client and server applications, with potential attack vectors including maliciously crafted media files delivered through email attachments, web downloads, or streaming services. The vulnerability's exploitation requires an attacker to prepare a specially crafted WMALossless audio file that triggers the flawed decode_init function, making it a targeted attack rather than a broad-based threat. Organizations should prioritize updating their FFmpeg installations to versions 0.11 or later, which contain the necessary patches to prevent this vulnerability from being exploited.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all systems running affected FFmpeg versions, along with network-level filtering of suspicious media file types where possible. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns or application crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 as Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the importance of endpoint protection and application whitelisting to prevent execution of malicious media files. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for processing untrusted multimedia content to contain potential exploitation attempts within isolated environments.