CVE-2013-3564 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in VideoLAN VLC media player before 2.0.7 has no access control which allows remote attackers to view directory listings via the 'dir' command or issue other commands without authenticating.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3564 represents a critical security flaw in the web interface component of VideoLAN VLC media player versions prior to 2.0.7. This issue stems from the absence of proper access control mechanisms within the media player's web-based administrative interface, creating a significant attack vector that exposes sensitive system information and functionality to unauthenticated remote adversaries. The flaw specifically affects the directory listing capabilities through the 'dir' command, which allows attackers to enumerate file system contents without requiring any authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the design of the web interface's authentication system, which fails to enforce proper access controls for various commands and operations. This lack of authentication checks means that any remote attacker can interact with the interface and execute commands that would normally require administrative privileges. The 'dir' command serves as a primary vector for directory traversal attacks, enabling threat actors to discover file structures, potentially exposing sensitive media files, configuration data, or system information that should remain protected. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and represents a classic example of insufficient authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. Remote attackers can leverage this access to perform directory listings, potentially identifying valuable files or system components that could be targeted in subsequent attacks. The exposure of directory structures creates opportunities for further reconnaissance, allowing threat actors to map the file system and identify potential targets for privilege escalation or data exfiltration. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege, as it allows full access to system commands without proper authentication, potentially enabling attackers to compromise the entire media player installation and underlying system resources.
The security implications of CVE-2013-3564 are particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of VLC media player across various operating systems and network environments. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any prior authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and exploitation tools. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to media player configurations, potentially leading to more severe consequences such as command execution, file manipulation, or even system compromise. Organizations using vulnerable versions of VLC may find their systems exposed to reconnaissance activities and potential exploitation attempts, especially in environments where the media player's web interface is accessible over network connections. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of implementing proper access control measures in all system components, particularly those exposed to network access, as highlighted in the ATT&CK framework's access control bypass techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates to version 2.0.7 or later, which include proper authentication mechanisms and access controls for the web interface. System administrators should disable the web interface component when it is not required for operation, as this reduces the attack surface available to potential threat actors. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the media player's web interface ports, limiting exposure to unauthorized users. Additionally, monitoring for unusual directory listing activities or command execution attempts on systems running vulnerable versions of VLC can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of regular security updates and patch management processes becomes critical in preventing such vulnerabilities from being exploited in operational environments.