CVE-2012-5359 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
Libavcodec in FFmpeg before 0.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted ASF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5359 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Libavcodec component of FFmpeg software version 0.11 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of Advanced Systems Format (ASF) files, which are commonly used multimedia containers that support various audio and video codecs. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and memory management during the processing of malformed ASF file structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on systems that process these media files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from buffer overflow conditions that occur when the Libavcodec library attempts to parse specially crafted ASF files containing malformed data structures. When the software encounters these maliciously constructed elements within the ASF container format, the parsing logic fails to properly validate the size parameters and memory allocation, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no user interaction beyond the automatic processing of media files, making it suitable for automated exploitation in web-based environments where users might unknowingly encounter malicious ASF content.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5359 extends far beyond simple media processing applications, as FFmpeg is widely integrated into numerous software systems including web browsers, media players, content management systems, and streaming platforms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or use as a foothold for further network infiltration. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious ASF files through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or embedded content in websites, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where media processing is common. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the exploitation of vulnerabilities in software applications for code execution, and demonstrates how multimedia processing libraries can serve as attack surfaces in modern computing environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5359 primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to FFmpeg version 0.11 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow conditions in Libavcodec. Additionally, implementing network-level filtering to block suspicious ASF file content, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for media processing, and establishing robust input validation procedures can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual media processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems that might be using older versions of FFmpeg or related libraries. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia processing libraries and the potential consequences of failing to address known security flaws in widely used software components.