CVE-2022-2566 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the FFMPEG multimedia framework, specifically affecting version 5.1 and certain commits prior to the fix. The vulnerability arises from an integer overflow during size calculation in the function `build_open_gop_key_points()`. This function iterates through entries and sums the `count` values from `sc->ctts_data[i]` into `sc->sample_offsets_count`. If an attacker crafts an mp4 file with manipulated `count` values, the summation can overflow, causing `av_calloc()` to allocate a buffer smaller than intended. Subsequent writes to this buffer lead to a heap out-of-bounds memory write, which can corrupt memory and potentially allow remote code execution (RCE). Exploitation requires processing a malicious mp4 file, which is a common media format, making the attack vector feasible in environments where FFMPEG is used to decode or process media files. Although no public exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability is significant due to the potential for RCE without authentication. The recommended mitigation is to upgrade FFMPEG to a version that includes the fix past commit c953baa084607dd1d84c3bfcce3cf6a87c3e6e05. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-122, indicating a classic heap-based buffer overflow issue, which is a well-understood and critical class of memory corruption vulnerabilities.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-2566 can be substantial, especially for those relying on FFMPEG for media processing in web services, streaming platforms, content delivery networks, or multimedia editing tools. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data breaches, or lateral movement within networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as media companies, broadcasters, online education platforms, and any enterprise embedding FFMPEG in their software stacks. Additionally, organizations offering cloud-based media processing or content management services are at risk. The vulnerability could be exploited by delivering malicious mp4 files via email, web uploads, or streaming, making it a vector for supply chain or targeted attacks. The absence of authentication requirements and the common usage of the mp4 format increase the attack surface. While no known exploits exist currently, the medium severity rating suggests that exploitation is plausible and could have serious consequences if leveraged by threat actors.

1. Immediate upgrade of FFMPEG to a version that includes the patch beyond commit c953baa084607dd1d84c3bfcce3cf6a87c3e6e05 is essential. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all media files processed by FFMPEG, including limiting file size and scanning for malformed mp4 files using specialized media file analysis tools. 3. Employ sandboxing or containerization for media processing services to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Monitor and restrict the sources of media files, applying network-level controls to prevent untrusted or suspicious uploads. 5. Integrate runtime application self-protection (RASP) or exploit detection mechanisms that can detect abnormal memory behavior during media processing. 6. Regularly audit and update all software dependencies, especially those handling untrusted input. 7. Educate developers and system administrators about this specific vulnerability to ensure awareness and prompt patching. 8. Consider deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures tuned to detect exploitation attempts targeting heap overflows in FFMPEG.