CVE-2014-1684 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
The ASF_ReadObject_file_properties function in modules/demux/asf/libasf.c in the ASF Demuxer in VideoLAN VLC Media Player before 2.1.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (divide-by-zero error and crash) via a zero minimum and maximum data packet size in an ASF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1684 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the VideoLAN VLC Media Player software ecosystem. This issue resides in the ASF Demuxer component specifically within the modules/demux/asf/libasf.c file where the ASF_ReadObject_file_properties function processes ASF (Advanced Systems Format) media files. The vulnerability manifests when the software encounters ASF files containing malformed data packet size parameters, particularly when both minimum and maximum data packet sizes are set to zero values. This particular flaw affects VLC Media Player versions prior to 2.1.3, making a substantial user base vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and can be classified as a CWE-369: Divide by Zero, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The attack vector is remote, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious ASF file and delivering it to a victim who is using an affected version of VLC Media Player.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of ASF file metadata where the minimum and maximum data packet size fields contain zero values. When the ASF_ReadObject_file_properties function attempts to process these zero values, it performs calculations that inevitably lead to a division by zero error, causing the application to crash and terminate unexpectedly. This type of arithmetic error represents a classic software flaw that demonstrates poor error handling and input validation practices. The vulnerability directly impacts the application's ability to process legitimate media files, effectively rendering the media player unusable for the duration of the exploit. The flaw operates at the demuxer level, which is responsible for parsing and extracting audio and video streams from container formats, making it a fundamental component of the media playback pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged by malicious actors to create persistent denial of service conditions against targeted users. Attackers can craft specially formatted ASF files that will cause VLC Media Player to crash whenever the file is opened or played, effectively preventing legitimate media playback. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where VLC is used as a media player for presentations, educational content, or entertainment purposes, as it can be exploited to disrupt normal operations. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a Denial of Service technique, specifically targeting application availability through software exploitation. Organizations relying on VLC for media playback, including educational institutions, corporate environments, and media distribution platforms, face significant risks from this vulnerability. The impact is particularly severe because VLC is widely used across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems, amplifying the potential attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1684 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the VideoLAN project. Users should upgrade to VLC Media Player version 2.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to handle zero packet size values gracefully without crashing. System administrators should implement patch management protocols to ensure all vulnerable installations are updated promptly. Network administrators can deploy content filtering measures to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious ASF files through organizational networks. Additionally, implementing sandboxing techniques and restricting media player capabilities in restricted environments can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and error handling practices in multimedia software development, emphasizing that proper boundary checking and exception handling are critical security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to help users identify and avoid potentially malicious media files, particularly those obtained from untrusted sources. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated media player installations to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.