CVE-2023-50007 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2024
Buffer Overflow vulnerability in Ffmpeg v.n6.1-3-g466799d4f5 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via theav_samples_set_silence function in thelibavutil/samplefmt.c:260:9 component.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50007 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FFmpeg multimedia framework version 6.1, specifically affecting the av_samples_set_silence function located in libavutil/samplefmt.c at line 260. This issue arises from inadequate bounds checking when processing audio sample data, creating a potential execution path for malicious actors to gain unauthorized code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector, meaning that an attacker must already have access to the system to exploit it, though the implications remain severe given the privileged execution context. The flaw stems from improper handling of audio sample buffer sizes during silence setting operations, where insufficient validation allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning given FFmpeg's widespread adoption across multimedia applications, operating systems, and content delivery platforms where it serves as a foundational component for audio and video processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful manipulation of audio sample parameters to trigger the buffer overflow condition within the av_samples_set_silence function. When the function processes audio data with maliciously crafted parameters, it fails to validate the input buffer sizes against the allocated memory boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The specific location at line 260 in the samplefmt.c file indicates that the issue occurs during sample format handling operations, where the silence setting functionality does not properly enforce buffer size constraints. This flaw can be exploited through various attack vectors including malformed media files, malicious streaming content, or compromised media processing pipelines. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges, bypass security controls, or establish persistent access within the compromised system. The underlying architecture of FFmpeg's audio processing pipeline makes this particularly dangerous since many applications rely on its robustness and security, creating cascading effects when exploited.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-50007 extends significantly across multiple domains including media processing servers, content management systems, and multimedia applications that utilize FFmpeg as a core component. Organizations running servers that process user-uploaded media content, streaming platforms, or any system that employs FFmpeg for audio/video transcoding face substantial risk from this vulnerability. The local execution requirement does not diminish the threat level as attackers who gain initial access through other means can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges or establish persistent backdoors. Security teams must consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments for systems handling multimedia content, particularly those with exposed processing services or applications that automatically process media files. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption, making it a critical concern for enterprise security infrastructure. Given FFmpeg's integration into numerous software stacks, the potential for widespread impact across different industries and applications makes this vulnerability particularly significant from a threat intelligence perspective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-50007 should prioritize immediate patching of affected FFmpeg installations, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious media processing activities and establish automated patch management procedures to ensure timely updates. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing and input validation controls to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls can help reduce the attack surface by limiting local access to systems running FFmpeg components. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments across their infrastructure to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable FFmpeg versions and establish incident response procedures specific to multimedia processing vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, with potential lateral movement through T1071.004 for application layer protocols. Additionally, defense-in-depth strategies should include regular security assessments, code review processes for multimedia applications, and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence feeds to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect and alert on potentially vulnerable FFmpeg installations within their environments, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all multimedia processing systems.