CVE-2023-49501

What it actually does

Local buffer overflow in config_eq_output within libavfilter/asrc_afirsrc.c allows arbitrary code execution by an attacker with local access.

Why it matters to the business

Attackers with local access could run unauthorized code on systems processing media files with FFmpeg, risking data theft or system takeover; low exploitability reduces urgency but patching remains essential for media workflows.

How an attack unfolds

A local attacker supplies crafted input to FFmpeg that reaches the vulnerable config_eq_output function, overflows the buffer, and gains arbitrary code execution on the host.

How to fix it

Upgrade FFmpeg to a version newer than n6.1-3-g466799d4f5 that contains the fix for the buffer overflow in asrc_afirsrc.c; rebuild any dependent applications against the patched library and test media processing pipelines.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the installed FFmpeg version is newer than the vulnerable commit; run regression tests with known trigger inputs for the afirsrc filter and verify no crashes or unexpected behavior occur.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local access to a system running vulnerable FFmpeg
2. Craft malicious input targeting the afirsrc filter configuration
3. Invoke FFmpeg with the malicious input via command line or application integration
4. Trigger buffer overflow in config_eq_output to execute attacker-controlled code

How to detect it

Review FFmpeg process logs and crash reports for segmentation faults or abnormal exits when processing audio filter configurations; inspect command-line arguments and input files for unusual afirsrc or eq filter usage.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching FFmpeg in all media processing and transcoding environments
• Restrict local execution of FFmpeg to trusted users and inputs where possible
• Monitor for new upstream releases addressing this buffer overflow
• Review and harden any automated pipelines that invoke FFmpeg with untrusted content