CVE-2013-0851 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The decode_frame function in libavcodec/eamad.c in FFmpeg before 1.1 allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via crafted Electronic Arts Madcow video data, which triggers an out-of-bounds array access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0851 represents a critical out-of-bounds array access flaw within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's Electronic Arts Madcow video decoder. This vulnerability exists in the decode_frame function located in libavcodec/eamad.c and affects FFmpeg versions prior to 1.1. The flaw specifically manifests when processing crafted Electronic Arts Madcow video data, which is a proprietary video format used by Electronic Arts in various gaming applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the video decoding process, allowing maliciously constructed video files to trigger memory access violations that could lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability operates through a classic buffer over-read condition where the decode_frame function fails to properly validate array indices when processing the crafted video data. This type of flaw falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and can be categorized under the broader ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The Electronic Arts Madcow format uses specific encoding patterns and data structures that, when manipulated correctly, cause the decoder to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the software assumes valid input without proper validation checks, creating an attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit through crafted malicious media files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of FFmpeg. This affects a wide range of applications and systems that rely on FFmpeg for video processing, including media players, content management systems, web browsers, and multimedia applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through web-based attacks where users unknowingly download or view malicious video content, making it a significant threat in environments where users encounter untrusted media files. The out-of-bounds memory access could lead to information disclosure, system crashes, or more severe consequences including full system compromise depending on the execution environment and privileges of the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0851 primarily focus on immediate version updates to FFmpeg 1.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the bounds checking deficiencies in the Electronic Arts Madcow decoder. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms for all multimedia content, particularly when processing user-uploaded files or content from untrusted sources. Network-level filtering can help reduce exposure by blocking known malicious video formats or implementing content inspection for suspicious media file characteristics. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for multimedia processing applications and maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other components of their multimedia frameworks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and defensive programming practices, particularly in multimedia libraries that process untrusted data from diverse sources, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates in widely-used open source components.