CVE-2013-4264 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The kempf_decode_tile function in libavcodec/g2meet.c in FFmpeg before 2.0.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds heap write) via a G2M4 encoded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4264 represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition within the FFmpeg multimedia framework that affects versions prior to 2.0.1. This flaw exists within the kempf_decode_tile function located in the libavcodec/g2meet.c file, which handles decoding of G2M4 video format files. The G2M4 format is a proprietary video codec used in certain communication applications, particularly in the context of real-time video streaming and conferencing systems. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking during the decoding process, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered by maliciously crafted G2M4 files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds heap write operation, where the kempf_decode_tile function fails to properly validate the dimensions and memory allocation requirements for video tiles during the decoding process. When processing specially crafted G2M4 files, the function attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can occur due to improper handling of tile dimensions, frame size parameters, or coordinate calculations within the video decoding pipeline. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-787 as an out-of-bounds write, which is a common class of memory safety issues that can lead to system instability, application crashes, or in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution depending on the memory layout and exploitation conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be exploited in remote attack scenarios where malicious actors could deliver crafted G2M4 files through various channels such as email attachments, web downloads, or streaming services. When a vulnerable FFmpeg-based application processes these malicious files, the heap corruption can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, system instability, or potential privilege escalation in certain environments. This vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that rely on FFmpeg for multimedia processing, including media players, video streaming platforms, content management systems, and communication software. The remote exploitability aspect makes it particularly dangerous as attackers can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access to the target system, potentially affecting end users who simply open or play media files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4264 primarily focus on upgrading to FFmpeg version 2.0.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all FFmpeg-dependent applications are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file format validation, using sandboxing techniques for multimedia processing, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious G2M4 file patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted multimedia files and maintain regular security audits of multimedia processing components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in multimedia libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. Security teams should monitor for potential exploitation attempts through threat intelligence feeds and ensure that their incident response procedures include specific protocols for handling multimedia-related security incidents.