AusCERT - AA-2007.0127 -- [Win][UNIX/Linux] -- Two vulnerabilities in VLC 0.8.6d allow arbitrary code execution

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AA-2007.0127 -- [Win][UNIX/Linux] -- Two vulnerabilities in VLC 0.8.6d allow arbitrary code execution
Date: 22 April 2007

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AA-2007.0127                  AUSCERT Advisory

                             [Win][UNIX/Linux]
     Two vulnerabilities in VLC 0.8.6d allow arbitrary code execution
                               22 April 2008
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        AusCERT Advisory Summary
        ------------------------

Product:              VLC Media Player 0.8.6d and prior
Operating System:     UNIX variants (UNIX, Linux, OSX)
                      Windows
Impact:               Execute Arbitrary Code/Commands
Access:               Remote/Unauthenticated
CVE Names:            CVE-2007-6681
Member content until: Friday, January 25 2008

Revision History:     April 22 2008: Added CVE
                      December 28 2007: Initial Release


OVERVIEW

        Two vulnerabilities have been discovered in the latest release
        of VLC (0.8.6d) media player. Both of these vulnerabilities allow
        a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. [1]


IMPACT

        A boundry error exists in the "ParseMicroDvd()", "ParseSSA()",
        and "ParseVplayer()" functions of VLC. This can be exploited using
        a specially crafted subtitles file to allow execution of arbitrary
        code. This is usually a file with the same name as the movie and
        a .ssa extention. These functions enable the reading of MicroDvd,
        SSA and Vplayer subtitle formats. [2]

        A second vulnerability exists in the VLC web interface. A malicious
        HTTP request can allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
        By default the web interface is not enabled.


MITIGATION

        A fix has been added to the VLC SVN repository. [1]

        Nightly builds are available from http://nightlies.videolan.org. [3]

        Until a stable version is made available, you should consider
        disabling the web interface (if it has been enabled). You should also
        not open any untrusted video files you receive with VLC, especially
        if they come with a .ssa subtitle file.


REFERENCES

        [1] VLC Media Player Multiple Vulnerabilities
            http://secunia.com/advisories/28233/
            
        [2] http://aluigi.altervista.org/adv/vlcboffs-adv.txt

        [3] VLC media player nightly builds
            http://nightlies.videolan.org


AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in 
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT 
Incident Reporting Form at:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

===========================================================================
Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
                which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
                On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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