CVE-2022-28786 in aviextractor
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2022
Improper buffer size check logic in aviextractor library prior to SMR May-2022 Release 1 allows out of bounds read leading to possible temporary denial of service. The patch adds buffer size check logic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28786 resides within the aviextractor library, a component critical for processing audio video interleave files commonly used in multimedia applications. This flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that emerged prior to the SMR May-2022 Release 1, indicating the issue was present in previous software versions and required specific patching to address. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of buffer size parameters during file parsing operations, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly verify the boundaries of allocated memory regions before accessing them. This improper buffer size check logic creates a dangerous condition where the system may attempt to read data beyond the intended memory boundaries, potentially accessing invalid memory locations or data that does not belong to the current buffer allocation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the aviextractor library processes malformed or specially crafted avi files that contain incorrect header information or malformed data structures. During the parsing process, the library fails to validate whether the expected data size matches the actual available buffer space, allowing an attacker to construct input files that trigger the out of bounds read condition. This condition occurs because the buffer size validation logic does not properly account for all possible data scenarios or edge cases that may arise during file processing. The flaw operates at the intersection of software robustness and memory management, where insufficient boundary checking creates opportunities for unexpected behavior. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses the lack of proper validation of array indices or buffer boundaries in memory management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28786 extends beyond simple program instability to encompass potential temporary denial of service conditions that can disrupt normal application functionality. When an out of bounds read occurs, the system may experience crashes, unexpected behavior, or resource exhaustion that prevents legitimate users from accessing the affected application. The temporary denial of service aspect suggests that while the vulnerability may not lead to persistent system compromise, it does create conditions where the application becomes unavailable or unstable for periods of time, affecting user experience and potentially business operations. This type of vulnerability can be particularly problematic in environments where multimedia processing is critical, such as content management systems, media streaming platforms, or digital asset management solutions that rely heavily on avi file processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around implementing proper buffer size validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the aviextractor library. The patch introduced in the SMR May-2022 Release 1 specifically addresses the issue by adding comprehensive buffer size check logic that validates all memory access operations before execution. Security practitioners should prioritize updating to the patched release and implement additional monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation controls at multiple layers of their systems, including file format validation, size checking, and boundary verification before any processing occurs. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to resource exhaustion and application misconfiguration, where the improper handling of input data creates opportunities for denial of service conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defensive programming practices and proper memory management in preventing exploitation of buffer related flaws that can lead to system instability and service disruption.