CVE-2024-7055 in FFmpeg
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2024
A vulnerability was found in FFmpeg up to 7.0.1. It has been classified as critical. This affects the function pnm_decode_frame in the library /libavcodec/pnmdec.c. The manipulation leads to heap-based buffer overflow. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 7.0.2 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-273651.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7055 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in FFmpeg's PNM (Portable AnyMap) decoder component, specifically within the pnm_decode_frame function located in /libavcodec/pnmdec.c. This flaw exists in FFmpeg versions up to and including 7.0.1, making it a significant security concern for systems that process multimedia content through this library. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact, including arbitrary code execution, system compromise, or denial of service conditions when exploited.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of PNM image format files. When FFmpeg attempts to decode malformed or specially crafted PNM files, the pnm_decode_frame function fails to properly validate input data sizes against allocated buffer boundaries. This allows attackers to write beyond the allocated memory space, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and enabling exploitation through heap-based buffer overflow techniques. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition through network-based delivery of malicious PNM files without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7055 extends across numerous applications and systems that rely on FFmpeg for multimedia processing, including content management systems, video streaming platforms, media servers, and security cameras. Given that PNM format files are commonly used in various digital workflows, the attack surface is broad and includes both enterprise environments and consumer applications. The public disclosure of exploitation techniques further amplifies the risk, as threat actors can readily leverage this vulnerability without requiring advanced exploitation skills. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where automated processing of user-uploaded content occurs.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-7055 centers on upgrading FFmpeg to version 7.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should prioritize this upgrade across all systems that utilize FFmpeg for multimedia processing, particularly those handling untrusted input. Additional protective measures include implementing input validation for PNM files, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and establishing content filtering mechanisms to prevent processing of suspicious media files. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow conditions and maps to attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting software supply chain and exploitation of vulnerable libraries. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date multimedia processing libraries in security-conscious environments where multimedia content processing is a core function.