CVE-2016-2328 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
libswscale/swscale_unscaled.c in FFmpeg before 2.8.6 does not validate certain height values, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds array read access) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted .cine file, related to the bayer_to_rgb24_wrapper and bayer_to_yv12_wrapper functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2328 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's libswscale component, specifically in the swscale_unscaled.c file. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when the software fails to properly validate height parameters during video processing operations. The vulnerability affects FFmpeg versions prior to 2.8.6 and demonstrates a critical weakness in input sanitization that could be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt system operations. The issue manifests when processing specially crafted .cine files, which are professional digital cinema image formats commonly used in film production and post-production environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the bayer_to_rgb24_wrapper and bayer_to_yv12_wrapper functions. These functions are responsible for converting raw Bayer pattern image data into standard RGB or YUV color formats, a common operation in digital cinematography workflows. When a maliciously constructed .cine file contains malformed height values, the software attempts to access array elements beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This out-of-bounds memory access can result in segmentation faults that crash the application or potentially allow for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's classification as a CWE-129 indicates an improper input validation issue where the system fails to verify that input data conforms to expected ranges and formats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a potential vector for more severe security compromises within multimedia processing environments. Attackers could leverage this weakness to disrupt video editing workflows, media servers, or content delivery systems that rely on FFmpeg for processing digital cinema files. In professional settings where .cine files are routinely processed, this vulnerability could be exploited to cause significant operational disruptions. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description suggest potential for additional security consequences beyond immediate service disruption, including possible code execution or information disclosure scenarios that could compromise system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2328 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patch management procedures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to FFmpeg version 2.8.6 or later, which includes proper height value validation within the affected functions. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of FFmpeg-based systems to untrusted input sources. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns or application crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under defensive evasion techniques, specifically targeting software integrity mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized code execution through memory corruption vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across all multimedia processing infrastructure.