CVE-2019-14776 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

VLC media player version 3.0.7.1 is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer over-read in the DemuxInit() function found in demux/asf/asf.c. This vulnerability can be exploited by a specially crafted .mkv file.

Understanding CVE-2019-14776

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2019-14776 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2019-14776?

CVE-2019-14776 is a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability present in the DemuxInit() function within the VLC media player version 3.0.7.1. It can be triggered by a maliciously crafted .mkv file.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14776

The vulnerability allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition by exploiting the buffer over-read issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14776

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2019-14776 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a heap-based buffer over-read in the DemuxInit() function within demux/asf/asf.c in VLC media player version 3.0.7.1 when processing a specially crafted .mkv file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: VLC media player
Vendor: VideoLAN
Version: 3.0.7.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by enticing a user to open a malicious .mkv file using the affected VLC media player, leading to the execution of arbitrary code or a DoS condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2019-14776.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update VLC media player to a non-vulnerable version.
Avoid opening untrusted .mkv files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Exercise caution when downloading and opening files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by VideoLAN to address the CVE-2019-14776 vulnerability.