CVE-2017-15672 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The read_header function in libavcodec/ffv1dec.c in FFmpeg 3.3.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted MP4 file, which triggers an out-of-bounds read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15672 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's FFV1 video decoder component. This vulnerability exists in the read_header function located in libavcodec/ffv1dec.c and affects FFmpeg versions 3.3.4 and earlier, making it a significant concern for systems that process multimedia content. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted MP4 files that contain malformed FFV1 video streams, creating a scenario where remote attackers can exploit this weakness to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment and system configuration.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the FFV1 decoder's header parsing logic. When FFmpeg encounters a malformed MP4 file containing FFV1 video data, the read_header function fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or validate header field values before using them to determine buffer sizes or iteration limits. This allows attackers to craft MP4 files with maliciously constructed header values that cause the decoder to read data beyond allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability falls under CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Read, representing a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited through careful manipulation of input parameters. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web browsers, media players, or any application that utilizes FFmpeg for video processing without proper input sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-15672 extends across multiple threat scenarios and system environments where FFmpeg is deployed. In web-based applications, this vulnerability could enable remote code execution when users browse to malicious websites containing crafted MP4 files, as modern browsers often utilize FFmpeg for video decoding. Mobile applications, streaming platforms, and media processing servers all represent potential attack surfaces where this vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized access, cause service disruption, or execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise depending on the execution context and available privileges, making it a high-severity issue for organizations relying on FFmpeg for multimedia processing. This flaw can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute code on client systems through media processing applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15672 require immediate patching of affected FFmpeg installations to version 3.3.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms when processing multimedia files, including file format checking, size limitation enforcement, and sandboxing of media processing operations. Network-level protections such as content filtering and media scanning can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while application-level safeguards should include proper error handling, memory protection mechanisms, and regular security assessments of multimedia processing pipelines. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain comprehensive monitoring of systems that utilize FFmpeg for media processing operations.