CVE-2014-3157 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the FFmpegVideoDecoder::GetVideoBuffer function in media/filters/ffmpeg_video_decoder.cc in Google Chrome before 35.0.1916.153 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact by leveraging VideoFrame data structures that are too small for proper interaction with an underlying FFmpeg library.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3157 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within Google Chrome's media processing subsystem, specifically affecting the FFmpegVideoDecoder::GetVideoBuffer function. This flaw exists in the media/filters/ffmpeg_video_decoder.cc source file and impacts Chrome versions prior to 35.0.1916.153, creating a significant security risk for users of affected software. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of VideoFrame data structures that are insufficiently sized to maintain proper compatibility with the underlying FFmpeg library, establishing a dangerous condition where memory corruption can occur during video decoding operations.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of video frame data structures that are deliberately crafted to be smaller than expected by the FFmpeg library integration within Chrome's media pipeline. When Chrome processes video content through the FFmpegVideoDecoder component, it attempts to allocate memory buffers based on assumptions about the size and structure of incoming video frame data. However, when attackers provide maliciously constructed video content with improperly sized frame structures, the GetVideoBuffer function fails to validate these assumptions properly, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic memory safety issue where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it potentially enables remote code execution in certain circumstances. Attackers can leverage this flaw by delivering specially crafted video content that triggers the vulnerable code path during normal video playback operations. The buffer overflow can cause Chrome to crash and restart, resulting in denial of service, or more critically, allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Chrome process. This represents a significant concern from an attacker's perspective as it provides a pathway to compromise user systems through web-based attacks. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables remote exploitation through web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3157 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Google Chrome where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. System administrators should prioritize deployment of Chrome version 35.0.1916.153 or later, which includes fixes that properly validate video frame data structures before processing them through the FFmpeg library integration. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary media playback features and implementing strict web content policies to reduce exposure to potentially malicious video content. The fix typically involves adding proper validation checks to ensure that video frame structures meet minimum size requirements before being passed to FFmpeg library functions, thereby preventing the heap corruption that enables exploitation.