CVE-2014-3452 in K-lite Codec
Summary
by MITRE
Filters\LAV\avfilter-lav-4.dll in K-lite Codec 10.4.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted .jpg file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3452 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the K-lite Codec Pack version 10.4.5 and earlier installations. This issue specifically affects the Filters\LAVvfilter-lav-4.dll component, which serves as a video filter module within the multimedia processing pipeline of the codec suite. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the image processing routines, particularly when handling malformed or crafted jpeg files. The flaw demonstrates how multimedia processing libraries can be exploited through carefully constructed file formats that trigger buffer overflows, memory corruption, or improper state management during file parsing operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted .jpg file is processed by the affected LAV video filter component. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management within the jpeg decoding routines, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures through malformed file headers or data sequences. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how image processing libraries can be compromised through improper input validation, where the filter component fails to properly sanitize jpeg file structures before attempting to decode them.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who rely on K-lite Codec Pack for multimedia processing tasks. The remote attack vector means that simply opening or previewing a maliciously crafted jpeg file can trigger the denial of service condition, potentially causing application crashes or system instability. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where automated file processing occurs, as it could lead to service disruption or complete system unavailability. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially affect system stability and user productivity, especially in professional environments where multimedia content processing is frequent.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can be mapped to several ATT&CK techniques including T1203, which covers legitimate program execution, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to create a persistent denial of service condition by delivering malicious jpeg files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing networks. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the widespread adoption of K-lite Codec Pack, which increases the potential attack surface significantly. Organizations should consider implementing network-level filtering to prevent the delivery of suspicious jpeg files and ensure that users are aware of the risks associated with opening untrusted multimedia content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of K-lite Codec Pack installations to versions that address the input validation issues within the LAV video filter component. System administrators should also implement strict file validation policies and consider deploying sandboxed environments for processing untrusted multimedia content. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in multimedia processing libraries, suggesting that organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their multimedia processing components. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted files remains crucial, as social engineering attacks often leverage such vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or cause service disruption.