CVE-2013-0866 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The aac_decode_init function in libavcodec/aacdec.c in FFmpeg before 1.0.4 and 1.1.x before 1.1.2 allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via a large number of channels in an AAC file, which triggers an out-of-bounds array access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0866 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's audio decoding component. This flaw exists in the aac_decode_init function located in libavcodec/aacdec.c, affecting versions prior to 1.0.4 and 1.1.x prior to 1.1.2. The issue arises when processing Advanced Audio Coding files with an excessive number of audio channels, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly validate input parameters before attempting memory operations. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds array access that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or application crashes, making it a significant concern for systems processing multimedia content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that occur when an application accesses memory beyond the bounds of a buffer. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation within the AAC decoder's initialization routine, where the number of channels in an audio file is not properly constrained or checked against expected limits. When an attacker crafts an AAC file containing an unusually high number of channels, the decoder attempts to allocate memory or access arrays based on this invalid parameter count, resulting in memory corruption. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through media files processed by applications using FFmpeg as their underlying multimedia library, including web browsers, media players, and content management systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0866 extends far beyond simple application instability, as it creates a potential vector for remote code execution across numerous platforms and applications. Systems that utilize FFmpeg for multimedia processing are at risk when handling untrusted audio content, since the vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors including web-based media playback, email attachments, or file sharing platforms. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the widespread adoption of FFmpeg in both open source and commercial multimedia applications, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise systems through media processing. Organizations using affected versions of FFmpeg should be particularly concerned about their exposure to this vulnerability, as it can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0866 primarily focus on immediate version updates to patched releases of FFmpeg, specifically versions 1.0.4 and 1.1.2 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Security administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and applications that rely on FFmpeg, particularly those handling untrusted media content. Additional protective measures include implementing input validation controls at network boundaries, deploying sandboxing techniques for media processing, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper bounds checking and input validation in multimedia libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities through memory corruption. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, as well as regular security assessments of multimedia processing components to identify similar vulnerabilities in their software ecosystems.