CVE-2013-0867

The decode_slice_header function in libavcodec/h264.c in FFmpeg before 1.1.2 does not properly check when the pixel format changes, which allows remote…

published November 23, 2013

CVSS
—
EPSS
2%
Percentile
84.1
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A funky pixel format shuffle in FFmpeg could trip you up! The decode_slice_header function doesn't check changes properly, opening a sneaky door for potential remote mishaps. 🔥 Think of it like a restaurant kitchen where a chef suddenly decides to switch the ingredients without informing the team — chaos can ensue if they’re not prepared. This lack of communication about the pixel format change can lead to unexpected results, much like untrained kitchen staff handling unfamiliar ingredients. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to process specially crafted H.264 video files, potentially causing crashes or unexpected behavior in the application handling the video data. While the exact outcome is unspecified, the risk of disruption is certainly there and deserves attention.

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant kitchen where a chef suddenly decides to switch the ingredients without informing the team — chaos can ensue if they’re not prepared. This lack of communication about the pixel format change can lead to unexpected results, much like untrained kitchen staff handling unfamiliar ingredients. This vulnerability stems from an out-of-bounds array access in the decode_slice_header function, which fails to properly handle changes to the pixel format in H.264 video streams, leading to potential crashes or unexpected behaviors during video decoding.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to process specially crafted H.264 video files, potentially causing crashes or unexpected behavior in the application handling the video data. While the exact outcome is unspecified, the risk of disruption is certainly there and deserves attention. To mitigate this risk, upgrade to FFmpeg version 1.1.2 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed. It's also wise to review your video handling processes to ensure they are robust against unexpected input. Keep an eye on your multimedia libraries for updates! You've got this! Stay vigilant, and follow these steps to keep your applications safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02447 · 84.1th percentile
Published
2013-11-23T18:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 23 NOV 18:00Z
    The decode_slice_header function in libavcodec/h264.c in FFmpeg before 1.1.2 does not properly check when the pixel format changes, which allows remote…
    cvelistv5