CVE-2014-8543 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
libavcodec/mmvideo.c in FFmpeg before 2.4.2 does not consider all lines of HHV Intra blocks during validation of image height, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds access) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted MM video data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8543 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework, specifically in the libavcodec/mmvideo.c component responsible for handling MM (Mimic) video format decoding. This flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when processing specially crafted MM video streams, where the software fails to properly validate image dimensions during the decoding process. The vulnerability affects FFmpeg versions prior to 2.4.2, making it a significant security concern for systems that rely on this multimedia processing library for video handling and playback operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the HHV Intra block validation logic. When FFmpeg processes MM video data, it must validate the dimensions of various video blocks to ensure proper memory allocation and access patterns. However, the mmvideo.c implementation fails to consider all lines of HHV Intra blocks during height validation, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted video data can trigger out-of-bounds memory access. This condition manifests when the decoder attempts to process video frames with dimensions that exceed expected boundaries, causing the software to access memory locations outside the allocated buffer space. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and specifically demonstrates the risks associated with insufficient input validation in multimedia processing components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially encompass more severe consequences depending on the execution environment. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to cause application crashes through out-of-bounds memory access, effectively creating a denial of service condition that disrupts video playback services. In certain scenarios, the vulnerability may allow for more insidious outcomes including information disclosure or arbitrary code execution, particularly when the affected system processes untrusted video content from web applications or media streaming services. The vulnerability's remote exploitability makes it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where multimedia content is frequently processed without proper sanitization, potentially affecting content management systems, media servers, and web applications that utilize FFmpeg for video handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8543 primarily focus on immediate software updates and comprehensive input validation measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to FFmpeg version 2.4.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer validation issue. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization and validation procedures can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where processing untrusted multimedia content. Network-level defenses such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection layers, while regular security assessments of multimedia processing pipelines help identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper bounds checking in multimedia decoding libraries and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers legitimate programs that use privilege escalation to execute malicious code. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual memory access patterns or application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts against multimedia processing components.