CVE-2017-17081 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-17081 affecting FFmpeg versions 2.3 and 3.4. Discover how remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger a denial of service attack via specially crafted MPEG files.
CVE-2017-17081 was published on November 30, 2017, and affects FFmpeg versions 2.3 and 3.4. The vulnerability in the gmc_mmx function within FFmpeg allows remote attackers to launch a denial of service attack by exploiting specially crafted MPEG files.
Understanding CVE-2017-17081
This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in FFmpeg versions 2.3 and 3.4 that could be exploited by attackers to trigger a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2017-17081?
The gmc_mmx function in libavcodec/x86/mpegvideodsp.c within FFmpeg versions 2.3 and 3.4 does not adequately verify the widths and heights of inputs. This oversight enables remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack by exploiting a specially crafted MPEG file.
The Impact of CVE-2017-17081
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service due to an integer signedness error and out-of-array read when processing malicious MPEG files.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-17081
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2017-17081 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The gmc_mmx function in libavcodec/x86/mpegvideodsp.c in FFmpeg 2.3 and 3.4 does not properly validate widths and heights, leading to a denial of service via a crafted MPEG file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- FFmpeg versions 2.3 and 3.4
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by using specially crafted MPEG files to trigger a denial of service attack.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-17081 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update FFmpeg to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening untrusted MPEG files.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious traffic.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by FFmpeg to fix the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.