CVE-2016-5115 in libavformat
Summary
by MITRE
The avcodec_decode_audio4 function in libavcodec in libavformat 57.34.103, as used in MPlayer, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted mp3 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5115 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the audio decoding component of libavformat library version 57.34.103. This issue specifically affects the avcodec_decode_audio4 function which serves as a core component in multimedia processing frameworks, particularly impacting MPlayer and similar applications that rely on this library for audio file interpretation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the audio decoding pipeline, where the function fails to properly bounds-check data structures during mp3 file parsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of malformed mp3 file structures that contain crafted data sequences designed to trigger memory access violations. When a maliciously constructed mp3 file is processed by the vulnerable function, the decoder attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in an out-of-bounds read condition. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities in software systems. The vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input sanitization can lead to system instability and potential exploitation scenarios.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for multimedia applications that process untrusted audio content. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to disrupt service availability by causing application crashes or system instability when processing maliciously crafted mp3 files. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as such vulnerabilities often serve as precursors to more sophisticated exploitation techniques, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within affected systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique through memory corruption vulnerabilities, which can be leveraged in broader attack chains.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5115 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches to address the underlying buffer handling issues. System administrators should prioritize updating MPlayer and libavformat components to versions that include proper bounds checking mechanisms and input validation routines. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures at the application level, such as validating file headers and implementing strict format checking before processing audio content, provides additional defense layers. Network security controls including content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can further reduce the attack surface by preventing potentially malicious audio files from reaching vulnerable applications. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.