CVE-2024-46461

What it actually does

Integer overflow when processing a malicious mms stream triggers a heap-based buffer overflow in VLC 3.0.20 and earlier, enabling either a crash or arbitrary code execution at the privilege level of the VLC process.

Why it matters to the business

Successful exploitation can interrupt media playback services, allow attackers to take control of systems running the player, and lead to data theft or further compromise; the flaw affects any deployment that consumes untrusted mms streams.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker creates a crafted mms stream containing values that trigger the integer overflow, hosts or delivers the stream to a target, and waits for the victim to open it in an affected VLC instance, after which the overflow is used for code execution or denial of service.

How to fix it

Upgrade VLC to a version beyond 3.0.20 that contains the fix for the integer overflow; if using Tendermint components in the environment apply the listed fixes (0.31.12, 0.33.3, or 0.32.10) where applicable.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the installed VLC version is newer than 3.0.20 and test that playback of known-bad mms streams no longer causes a crash or unexpected memory access.

Typical attack path

1. Craft mms stream that forces integer overflow during parsing
2. Host or deliver the malicious stream to the target user
3. Victim opens the stream in vulnerable VLC
4. Overflow occurs on the heap, leading to crash or code execution

How to detect it

Review application crash logs and memory dumps for signs of heap corruption during mms stream handling; look for VLC processes terminated unexpectedly after receiving network streams.

What your security team should do

• Immediately update all VLC instances to a patched release
• Disable or restrict playback of mms streams from untrusted sources until patched
• Monitor for any new exploit code targeting this integer overflow