CVE-2013-4265 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The av_reallocp_array function in libavutil/mem.c in FFmpeg before 2.0.1 has an unspecified impact and remote vectors related to a "wrong return code" and a resultant NULL pointer dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4265 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's memory management subsystem, specifically in the av_reallocp_array function located in libavutil/mem.c. This flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that affects versions of FFmpeg prior to 2.0.1, making it a significant concern for systems that rely on FFmpeg for video and audio processing tasks. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory allocation operations within the library's internal memory management functions.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the incorrect return code handling within the av_reallocp_array function, which is designed to reallocate memory arrays while maintaining pointer integrity. When the function encounters a memory allocation failure, it fails to properly propagate the error condition, resulting in a scenario where a NULL pointer is returned instead of the expected allocated memory block. This improper error handling creates a condition where subsequent code attempts to dereference the NULL pointer, leading to a crash or potential exploitation. The vulnerability manifests as a NULL pointer dereference that can be triggered through malformed media files or network streams processed by FFmpeg.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4265 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it presents a potential remote code execution vector that could be exploited by attackers. When FFmpeg processes maliciously crafted media files or streams, the improper memory handling can lead to system instability, application termination, or in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution on systems running vulnerable versions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because FFmpeg is widely used across numerous applications and platforms, including web browsers, media players, content management systems, and server applications that process user-uploaded media content. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially trigger this vulnerability through network-based attacks without requiring local access to the target system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, involving the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or code execution. The flaw exemplifies poor error handling practices in memory management functions and represents a classic example of how seemingly minor coding errors in low-level system libraries can result in critical security vulnerabilities. Organizations using FFmpeg in their infrastructure should prioritize immediate remediation through version upgrades to 2.0.1 or later, as this vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures when processing media content can provide additional defense-in-depth protection against potential exploitation attempts.