CVE-2024-22861 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2024
Integer overflow vulnerability in FFmpeg before n6.1, allows attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) via the avcodec/osq module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The integer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-22861 resides within the FFmpeg multimedia framework, specifically affecting versions prior to n6.1. This flaw exists in the avcodec/osq module which handles certain audio and video decoding operations. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt system operations through denial of service attacks. FFmpeg is widely deployed across various platforms including web browsers, media players, and content management systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widespread impact.
The technical implementation of this integer overflow occurs when processing specific media files through the osq module. The flaw manifests when the software handles certain malformed or crafted input data that triggers arithmetic overflow conditions in integer calculations. This typically happens during the parsing or decoding phases where the system attempts to perform mathematical operations on size parameters or buffer dimensions. When integer overflow occurs, it can lead to unexpected behavior including buffer overflows, memory corruption, or invalid memory access patterns that cause the application to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple domains where FFmpeg is integrated into applications and services. Systems that process user-uploaded media content, streaming platforms, and content delivery networks become particularly vulnerable to exploitation. An attacker could craft malicious media files that, when processed by vulnerable FFmpeg versions, would trigger the integer overflow condition and cause service disruption. This could result in complete system unavailability, requiring manual intervention to restore normal operations. The DoS condition affects not only individual applications but can potentially impact entire infrastructure components that rely on FFmpeg for media processing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-22861 primarily involve immediate upgrade to FFmpeg version n6.1 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable FFmpeg versions and implement patch management procedures to ensure timely updates. Additionally, input validation measures should be strengthened to filter potentially malicious media files before processing, though this approach provides only partial protection. Network segmentation and monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch deployment mechanisms and regular vulnerability scanning to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The fix addresses the root cause by properly validating integer calculations and implementing overflow detection mechanisms within the affected module.