Vulnerability identifier: #VU6673

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.6 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2017-8311

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
VLC Media Player
Client/Desktop applications / Multimedia software

Vendor: VideoLAN

Description
The vulnerability allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code and take over the device.

The weakness exists due to a boundary error in ParseJSS in VideoLAN VLC when processing subtitles. A remote attacker can create specially crafted subtitle file, which when loaded by the target user with the help of affected software leads to arbitrary code execution.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may result in full control over the affected PC.

Mitigation
Update to version 2.2.5.1.

Vulnerable software versions

VLC Media Player: 2.2.1 - 2.2.5

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External links
http://blog.checkpoint.com/2017/05/23/hacked-in-translation/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.