CVE-2012-5360 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
Libavcodec in FFmpeg before 0.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted QT file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5360 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the libavcodec component of FFmpeg software versions prior to 0.11. This issue specifically affects the handling of QuickTime (QT) file formats, which are widely used multimedia containers that support various codecs for audio and video content. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and memory management within the QT file parser, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to craft malicious QT files designed to trigger arbitrary code execution on systems that process these media files.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from buffer overflows and improper memory handling within the QT demuxer implementation. When FFmpeg processes a specially crafted QT file, the libavcodec library fails to properly validate the structure and content of the file headers and metadata sections. This allows attackers to manipulate memory pointers and control execution flow through carefully constructed data sequences that exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw operates at the decoding level where the library parses QT container format elements, particularly affecting the handling of atom structures and their associated data fields. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5360 extends significantly across multiple attack vectors and deployment scenarios. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability through web-based media delivery systems, email attachments, or any application that utilizes FFmpeg for media processing without proper input sanitization. The vulnerability affects not only standalone applications but also web browsers, content management systems, and media processing pipelines that rely on FFmpeg libraries. Systems running vulnerable versions of FFmpeg are at risk of complete compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to full system control including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. This vulnerability particularly impacts media streaming services, video editing applications, and any platform that processes user-uploaded media content without proper security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5360 require immediate software updates and comprehensive security hardening measures. The primary and most effective mitigation involves upgrading to FFmpeg version 0.11 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and memory management. Organizations should implement network-based security controls including firewalls and intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious media file patterns and block known malicious QT file signatures. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization at application layers that utilize FFmpeg libraries can provide defense-in-depth protection. Security practitioners should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing tasks and regularly scanning for vulnerable software versions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which describes exploitation for execution through malicious media files, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and network security controls to prevent exploitation attempts.