CVE-2017-10699 in VLC Media Player
Summary
by MITRE
avcodec 2.2.x, as used in VideoLAN VLC media player 2.2.7-x before 2017-06-29, allows out-of-bounds heap memory write due to calling memcpy() with a wrong size, leading to a denial of service (application crash) or possibly code execution.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10699 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the avcodec component of VideoLAN VLC media player version 2.2.7 and earlier releases. This issue stems from improper memory management during video decoding operations, specifically when handling certain malformed media files. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds heap memory write condition that occurs when the memcpy() function is invoked with an incorrect buffer size parameter, creating a scenario where arbitrary data can be written beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper calculation or handling of memory copy operations within the video decoding pipeline. When VLC processes specific media files containing malformed or maliciously crafted data structures, the avcodec library fails to validate the size parameters before executing memcpy() operations. This fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can manipulate the size argument passed to memcpy(), resulting in memory corruption that can trigger application instability or potentially enable remote code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety issues and multimedia processing, making it particularly dangerous in media player applications that handle diverse file formats.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10699 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause the VLC media player to crash or behave unpredictably, but more critically, it may allow remote attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. The attack surface is particularly broad since VLC is widely used across multiple platforms and operating systems, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise end-user systems through malicious media files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, when considering potential exploitation vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected VLC installations to versions released after June 29, 2017, which contain the necessary fixes for the memory handling issues. System administrators should prioritize updating all instances of VLC media player across organizational networks, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted media content. Additional protective measures include implementing content filtering mechanisms to prevent automatic playback of suspicious media files, utilizing sandboxing techniques to isolate media player processes, and establishing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, highlighting the need for comprehensive code review processes and static analysis tools to identify similar issues in other software components. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious media content while maintaining the security posture of their overall infrastructure.