CVE-2014-2892 in libmms
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the get_answer function in mmsh.c in libmms before 0.6.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long line in an MMS over HTTP (MMSH) server response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-2892 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the libmms library version 0.6.3 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically targets the get_answer function located in the mmsh.c source file, which processes MMS over HTTP server responses. The flaw arises when the library encounters a malformed response containing an excessively long line, creating conditions that allow attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap. Such buffer overflow conditions typically occur when input data exceeds the allocated buffer size without proper bounds checking, enabling malicious actors to manipulate program execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data is processed without adequate validation mechanisms. When an MMSH server response contains a line that exceeds the expected buffer capacity, the get_answer function fails to properly handle the overflow condition, leading to memory corruption. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the heap-based nature of this particular flaw requires different exploitation techniques and mitigation approaches. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables remote code execution, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system simply by crafting malicious MMSH responses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation capabilities to encompass broader security implications for systems utilizing libmms for multimedia streaming operations. Any application or service that relies on libmms for processing MMS over HTTP communications becomes potentially vulnerable to remote code execution attacks, including media players, streaming servers, and content delivery networks. The attack vector requires no local privileges, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication. According to ATT&CK framework category T1203, this vulnerability represents a remote code execution capability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability affects not just individual applications but entire ecosystems that depend on the vulnerable library, potentially creating cascading security issues across interconnected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2892 primarily focus on immediate library updates and code-level defenses. The most effective solution involves upgrading to libmms version 0.6.4 or later, where the buffer overflow has been patched through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network-level controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious MMSH traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should adopt defensive programming practices including input sanitization, memory allocation validation, and runtime buffer overflow detection mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management and input validation in multimedia libraries, as these components often handle untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially vulnerable applications and establish comprehensive monitoring protocols to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.