CVE-2020-18776 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In Libav 12.3, a segmentation fault in vc1_decode_b_mb_intfr in vc1_block.c can lead to denial-of-service via a crafted file.

Understanding CVE-2020-18776

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in Libav 12.3 that could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial-of-service attack.

What is CVE-2020-18776?

The vulnerability in Libav 12.3 allows an attacker to trigger a segmentation fault in vc1_decode_b_mb_intfr in vc1_block.c, potentially leading to a denial-of-service condition by using a specially crafted file.

The Impact of CVE-2020-18776

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a denial-of-service attack, disrupting the normal operation of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-18776

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2020-18776 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the vc1_decode_b_mb_intfr function in vc1_block.c within Libav 12.3, which can be abused to trigger a segmentation fault.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker through the use of a specially crafted file to trigger the segmentation fault in the specified function.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-18776, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches or updates provided by the software vendor.
Avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent malformed files from causing issues.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you regularly check for updates and patches from Libav to address this vulnerability.