Heap Memory Leak in FFmpeg via Sun Raster Decoding

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in FFmpeg versions 0.10 through 9.0.2 involves a use of uninitialized memory when decoding truncated 1-bit and 4-bit paletted Sun Raster images. The sunrast_decode_frame() function fails to properly initialize a temporary bitmap, which is then expanded into PAL8 pixels. This exposes stale heap memory, such as allocator metadata, in the decoded output, potentially leaking sensitive information.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, inspect FFmpeg versions on your system. Run 'ffmpeg -version' to check the installed version. If it is between 0.10 and 9.0.2, the system is potentially vulnerable. Additionally, monitor network traffic for unusual Sun Raster (.sun/.ras) image files being processed by FFmpeg.

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Impact Analysis

Attackers could exploit this to craft malicious Sun Raster files that, when decoded by FFmpeg, leak sensitive data like heap memory contents. This could include information such as memory addresses or other allocator metadata, potentially aiding further attacks like information disclosure or memory corruption.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially affect compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by exposing sensitive or personal data through memory disclosure. Uninitialized memory leaks in FFmpeg's Sun Raster decoder may reveal heap contents, including allocator metadata or residual data, which could contain sensitive information. This risks violating data protection principles under GDPR (e.g., integrity and confidentiality) and HIPAA (e.g., safeguarding protected health information).

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update FFmpeg to the latest patched version. If updating is not possible, disable processing of Sun Raster images by FFmpeg or restrict access to FFmpeg binaries. Apply input validation for Sun Raster files to prevent processing of malformed or truncated files.

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