CVE-2017-18246 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A crafted media file can cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read) in the Libav 12.2 by exploiting the pcm_encode_frame function in libavcodec/pcm.c. Remote attackers have the capability to execute this attack.

Understanding CVE-2017-18246

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Libav 12.2 that can lead to a denial of service attack through a crafted media file.

What is CVE-2017-18246?

The pcm_encode_frame function in libavcodec/pcm.c in Libav 12.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted media file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-18246

This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18246

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the pcm_encode_frame function in libavcodec/pcm.c, enabling attackers to exploit a heap-based buffer over-read using a specially crafted media file.

Affected Systems and Versions

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Vendor: N/A
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Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the pcm_encode_frame function in libavcodec/pcm.c with a malicious media file.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-18246 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches or updates if available.
Implement network security measures to restrict access to vulnerable components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks of opening untrusted media files.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the latest patches and updates are applied to the Libav software to mitigate the CVE-2017-18246 vulnerability.