CVE-2018-14394 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE
libavformat/movenc.c in FFmpeg before 4.0.2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash caused by a divide-by-zero error) with a user crafted Waveform audio file.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14394 represents a critical divide-by-zero error within the FFmpeg multimedia framework's handling of Waveform audio files. This flaw exists in the libavformat/movenc.c component and affects versions prior to 4.0.2, making it a persistent threat to systems that process multimedia content through FFmpeg libraries. The vulnerability specifically targets the MOV (QuickTime) file format encoder, which is widely used for storing and transmitting audiovisual data across various platforms and applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Waveform audio file parser. When FFmpeg encounters a maliciously crafted Waveform audio file, the encoder attempts to perform a division operation with a zero denominator, causing an immediate application crash. This type of error falls under CWE-369, which categorizes divide-by-zero conditions as a fundamental programming error that can lead to system instability and denial of service. The flaw occurs during the file encoding process when the software fails to properly validate audio sample rate or frame rate parameters, allowing an attacker to inject malformed data that triggers the arithmetic exception.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be exploited to create widespread denial of service conditions across systems that rely on FFmpeg for multimedia processing. Attackers can craft malicious Waveform audio files that, when processed by vulnerable FFmpeg implementations, will cause the target application to terminate unexpectedly. This vulnerability affects not only standalone FFmpeg applications but also any software that incorporates FFmpeg libraries, including media servers, content management systems, and web applications that handle user-uploaded multimedia content. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning because Waveform audio files are commonly used in professional audio applications, making them a plausible attack vector in environments where multimedia processing is frequent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14394 primarily focus on upgrading to FFmpeg version 4.0.2 or later, which includes patches that properly validate audio file parameters before attempting arithmetic operations. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level, particularly when processing user-uploaded content, to prevent malformed audio files from reaching the FFmpeg libraries. Network-based mitigations can include content filtering systems that scan for suspicious audio file characteristics, while application-level protections should enforce strict parameter validation and implement proper error handling to prevent crash conditions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service, and the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual application crash patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.