CVE-2018-10001 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
The decode_init function in libavcodec/utvideodec.c in FFmpeg through 3.4.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out of array read) via an AVI file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10001 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's video decoding component, specifically in the decode_init function located in libavcodec/utvideodec.c. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds memory read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers through carefully crafted AVI files. The issue affects FFmpeg versions up to and including 3.4.2, making it a significant concern for systems that process multimedia content from untrusted sources. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the video codec initialization routine, where the software fails to properly bounds-check array accesses during the parsing of utvideo format headers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when FFmpeg processes an AVI file containing maliciously constructed utvideo data. During the decode_init function execution, the software attempts to read from an array without sufficient bounds checking, leading to an out-of-bounds memory read operation. This condition can cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably, resulting in a denial of service scenario. The flaw is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient bounds check, which directly relates to improper validation of array indices or buffer sizes. The vulnerability manifests as a predictable crash pattern that can be reliably triggered by sending a specially crafted AVI file to a system running an affected FFmpeg version.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a substantial risk to organizations that rely on FFmpeg for multimedia processing, including content delivery networks, video streaming platforms, and media processing servers. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this flaw without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. The denial of service impact can be severe, potentially disrupting video processing pipelines and causing service interruptions that affect end users. The vulnerability can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including web application exploitation, automated scanning, and targeted attacks against multimedia processing systems.
Security practitioners should prioritize the immediate patching of affected FFmpeg installations to mitigate this vulnerability. The fix involves implementing proper bounds checking within the decode_init function to ensure that all array accesses are validated against the actual buffer sizes. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation controls at network boundaries, such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms, to prevent malicious AVI files from reaching vulnerable FFmpeg instances. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 as it represents a remote code execution vector through malicious file processing, though the current exploit demonstrates denial of service rather than arbitrary code execution. System administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect potential abuse of this vulnerability in the wild.