CVE-2024-22860 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2024
Integer overflow vulnerability in FFmpeg before n6.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the jpegxl_anim_read_packet component in the JPEG XL Animation decoder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2025
The integer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-22860 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework prior to version n6.1 and specifically affects the jpegxl_anim_read_packet component within the JPEG XL Animation decoder. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code on systems processing JPEG XL animation files. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the decoder's packet reading functionality, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted animation data can trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying memory management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing specific metadata within JPEG XL animation packets. When the decoder attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes or buffer boundaries based on malformed input data, the arithmetic operations exceed the maximum representable value for the integer type being used. This overflow condition results in incorrect memory calculations that can lead to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other exploitable conditions. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates within a widely used multimedia processing library that handles various input formats, making it accessible to attackers who can craft malicious JPEG XL animation files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous systems and applications that depend on FFmpeg for multimedia processing, including content management systems, media servers, video streaming platforms, and security appliances that handle user-uploaded media files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious JPEG XL animation files through various attack vectors such as web applications, email attachments, or file sharing platforms. The remote execution capability means that simply opening or processing a malicious file can result in complete system compromise, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary commands, or escalate privileges within the affected environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-22860 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to FFmpeg n6.1 or later, which contain patches addressing the integer overflow condition in the JPEG XL Animation decoder. Organizations should prioritize updating their FFmpeg installations across all systems that process multimedia content, particularly those handling user-generated media files or serving content from untrusted sources. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all multimedia file processing, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file uploads, and establishing robust file type verification mechanisms. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-190 Integer Overflow or Wraparound and maps to attack techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and secure coding practices in multimedia processing libraries.