CVE-2016-5108 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the DecodeAdpcmImaQT function in modules/codec/adpcm.c in VideoLAN VLC media player before 2.2.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted QuickTime IMA file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5108 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the VideoLAN VLC media player software ecosystem. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 2.2.4 and resides in the DecodeAdpcmImaQT function located in the modules/codec/adpcm.c source file. The flaw manifests when processing crafted QuickTime IMA files, which are audio compression formats commonly used in multimedia applications. The vulnerability's exploitation potential extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the ADPCM decoding routine that handles QuickTime IMA audio data. When VLC encounters a maliciously crafted QuickTime file, the DecodeAdpcmImaQT function fails to properly bounds-check array accesses during the decompression process. This allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including function return addresses, stack canaries, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for users who may unknowingly download or receive malicious media files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised streaming services. The remote exploitation capability means attackers do not need physical access to target systems, enabling widespread impact through automated attacks or social engineering campaigns. The potential for arbitrary code execution transforms this vulnerability from a simple crash scenario into a full remote compromise opportunity, particularly concerning for enterprise environments where VLC is commonly used for media playback.
The attack surface for CVE-2016-5108 encompasses any system running vulnerable versions of VLC media player that processes QuickTime IMA audio content. This includes desktop systems, mobile devices, and embedded systems that utilize VLC as their media framework. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of VLC across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, creating a substantial attack surface. Security researchers have documented this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique, which involves the use of software exploitation to achieve remote code execution through media processing applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5108 primarily involve immediate patching of VLC installations to version 2.2.4 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive software update policies that ensure all VLC installations receive the latest security patches promptly. Network administrators should consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious media files through corporate networks, particularly focusing on QuickTime and ADPCM audio formats. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of downloading media files from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping media player software up to date. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with industry best practices for vulnerability management as outlined in NIST SP 800-40 and ISO 27001 frameworks, emphasizing the critical importance of timely patch management and security awareness training.