CVE-2020-21041 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Buffer Overflow vulnerability in FFmpeg 4.1 via apng_do_inverse_blend in libavcodec/pngenc.c could allow a remote attacker to cause a Denial of Service.

Understanding CVE-2020-21041

This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in FFmpeg 4.1 that could be exploited by a remote malicious user to trigger a Denial of Service attack.

What is CVE-2020-21041?

The vulnerability lies in the apng_do_inverse_blend function within libavcodec/pngenc.c in FFmpeg 4.1, potentially leading to a Buffer Overflow.

The Impact of CVE-2020-21041

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a Denial of Service condition, where the affected system becomes unresponsive or crashes, disrupting normal operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-21041

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a Buffer Overflow issue in FFmpeg 4.1 due to improper handling of certain operations in the apng_do_inverse_blend function.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: FFmpeg 4.1
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote malicious user sending specially crafted input to the apng_do_inverse_blend function, leading to a Buffer Overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-21041 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches and updates provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor security mailing lists and advisories for any related information.
Implement network security measures to restrict access to vulnerable components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe computing practices and the importance of security updates.

Patching and Updates

Check for security updates from FFmpeg and apply them as soon as they are available to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.