CVE-2023-51793

What it actually does

A buffer overflow in the image_copy_plane function at libavutil/imgutils.c:353:9 of FFmpeg allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code by supplying specially crafted input data during image plane copying operations.

Why it matters to the business

Attackers with local access could gain full control over systems running vulnerable FFmpeg versions, disrupting media encoding and decoding workflows and enabling data theft or malware installation.

How an attack unfolds

A local attacker prepares a malicious media file or stream crafted to overflow the buffer during image_copy_plane processing in FFmpeg, injects arbitrary code, and achieves execution within the context of the FFmpeg process.

How to fix it

Upgrade FFmpeg to a patched release that resolves the buffer overflow in libavutil/imgutils.c and rebuild any dependent applications.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the FFmpeg binary reports a fixed version string, reprocess known trigger inputs in a controlled environment, and verify absence of crashes or unexpected code paths.

Typical attack path

1. Identify systems using the vulnerable FFmpeg version
2. Craft input data that triggers the buffer overflow in image_copy_plane
3. Execute FFmpeg locally with the malicious input
4. Achieve arbitrary code execution

How to detect it

Review system and application logs for FFmpeg segmentation faults or crashes during media handling, and inspect process trees for unexpected executables launched from FFmpeg.

What your security team should do

• Apply the latest FFmpeg update across all affected installations without delay
• Sandbox FFmpeg processes to limit the impact of local code execution
• Review and restrict local user privileges on media-processing hosts
• Monitor media-processing logs for segmentation faults or anomalous behavior