CVE-2014-8002 in OpenH264
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in decode_slice.cpp in Cisco OpenH264 1.2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an encoded media file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2022
The CVE-2014-8002 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Cisco OpenH264 version 1.2.0 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability exists within the decode_slice.cpp component of the video decoding library, which is widely used for H.264 video compression and decompression. The flaw occurs when processing encoded media files, specifically during the decoding process where memory management becomes compromised. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting maliciously formatted media files that trigger the use-after-free condition when the decoder attempts to process these inputs. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, as the malicious media file can be delivered through various network channels including email attachments, web downloads, or streaming services.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper memory management practices within the video decoding pipeline. When the decode_slice.cpp module processes certain malformed H.264 encoded frames, it fails to properly validate input data before freeing memory resources. This creates a scenario where freed memory blocks are still referenced or accessed by subsequent operations, leading to undefined behavior. The use-after-free condition typically occurs when the decoder encounters unexpected frame structures or corrupted data within the encoded media file. This flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate video decoding operations, making it difficult to distinguish between normal and malicious inputs. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory, and represents a classic example of improper resource management in software security.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8002 extends across multiple attack vectors and system environments where Cisco OpenH264 is deployed. Organizations using this library in video conferencing applications, streaming services, media players, or any system processing H.264 encoded content face significant risk from remote code execution. Attackers could potentially compromise endpoints, servers, or network infrastructure through this vulnerability, leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects not only end-user devices but also enterprise systems that rely on OpenH264 for video processing, including unified communications platforms, video surveillance systems, and content delivery networks. This flaw can be leveraged for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or as a foothold for further attacks within network environments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and remote execution, with potential for lateral movement once initial compromise occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8002 require immediate action from affected organizations. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Cisco OpenH264 version 1.3.0 or later, where the memory management issues have been addressed through proper input validation and resource handling. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and content filtering to prevent unauthorized media file downloads or streaming. Additional protective measures include deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious media file patterns and implementing strict access controls for video processing applications. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing the affected OpenH264 library and establish monitoring procedures for anomalous decoding behavior. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in security-critical components and highlights the necessity of regular security updates in open source libraries that are widely deployed across enterprise environments.