CVE-2022-41325: n/a in n/a
An integer overflow in the VNC module in VideoLAN VLC Media Player through 3.0.17.4 allows attackers, by tricking a user into opening a crafted playlist or connecting to a rogue VNC server, to crash VLC or execute code under some conditions.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2022-41325 is a high-severity integer overflow vulnerability affecting the VNC (Virtual Network Computing) module within VideoLAN VLC Media Player versions up to and including 3.0.17.4. The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of integer values, leading to an overflow condition (classified under CWE-190). An attacker can exploit this flaw by either tricking a user into opening a specially crafted playlist file or by enticing the user to connect to a malicious VNC server. Successful exploitation can cause VLC to crash (denial of service) or, under certain conditions, allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running VLC. The attack vector is local or remote (AV:L), requiring no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as opening a malicious playlist or connecting to a rogue VNC server. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), as code execution can lead to full system compromise or data exposure. No official patches or vendor-specific product details are provided in the source data, but the vulnerability is recognized and cataloged by MITRE and CISA. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the potential for exploitation exists given the widespread use of VLC Media Player globally, including in Europe. The vulnerability affects the VNC module, which is not enabled by default in all VLC installations but may be activated in certain user environments, especially where remote desktop or streaming features are used. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high severity level due to the combination of high impact and relatively low attack complexity, albeit requiring user interaction.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-41325 can be significant, particularly in sectors where VLC Media Player is widely used for multimedia playback, streaming, or remote desktop functionalities. Organizations in media, education, government, and corporate environments that utilize VLC with the VNC module enabled are at risk of service disruption or compromise. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, resulting in data breaches, lateral movement within networks, or deployment of malware. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive media content or system information, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution, and availability by causing application crashes. Given VLC's popularity as a free and open-source media player, many European enterprises and public institutions use it, sometimes without strict control over plugin or module usage, increasing exposure. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window for proactive mitigation before widespread attacks occur.
Mitigation Recommendations
Disable the VNC module in VLC Media Player if it is not explicitly required, as this reduces the attack surface. Educate users to avoid opening untrusted or unsolicited playlist files and to be cautious when connecting to unfamiliar VNC servers through VLC. Implement application whitelisting or sandboxing for VLC to limit the impact of potential code execution. Monitor network traffic for unusual VNC connections initiated by VLC instances, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Keep VLC Media Player updated and monitor VideoLAN’s official channels for patches addressing this vulnerability; apply updates promptly once available. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous behavior related to VLC processes, such as unexpected crashes or code execution patterns. Restrict user permissions to prevent VLC from executing with elevated privileges, minimizing the impact of a successful exploit. In corporate environments, consider deploying network-level controls to block or scrutinize VNC traffic originating from client machines running VLC.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria
CVE-2022-41325: n/a in n/a
Description
An integer overflow in the VNC module in VideoLAN VLC Media Player through 3.0.17.4 allows attackers, by tricking a user into opening a crafted playlist or connecting to a rogue VNC server, to crash VLC or execute code under some conditions.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2022-41325 is a high-severity integer overflow vulnerability affecting the VNC (Virtual Network Computing) module within VideoLAN VLC Media Player versions up to and including 3.0.17.4. The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of integer values, leading to an overflow condition (classified under CWE-190). An attacker can exploit this flaw by either tricking a user into opening a specially crafted playlist file or by enticing the user to connect to a malicious VNC server. Successful exploitation can cause VLC to crash (denial of service) or, under certain conditions, allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running VLC. The attack vector is local or remote (AV:L), requiring no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as opening a malicious playlist or connecting to a rogue VNC server. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (all rated high), as code execution can lead to full system compromise or data exposure. No official patches or vendor-specific product details are provided in the source data, but the vulnerability is recognized and cataloged by MITRE and CISA. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the potential for exploitation exists given the widespread use of VLC Media Player globally, including in Europe. The vulnerability affects the VNC module, which is not enabled by default in all VLC installations but may be activated in certain user environments, especially where remote desktop or streaming features are used. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting a high severity level due to the combination of high impact and relatively low attack complexity, albeit requiring user interaction.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-41325 can be significant, particularly in sectors where VLC Media Player is widely used for multimedia playback, streaming, or remote desktop functionalities. Organizations in media, education, government, and corporate environments that utilize VLC with the VNC module enabled are at risk of service disruption or compromise. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, resulting in data breaches, lateral movement within networks, or deployment of malware. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive media content or system information, integrity by allowing unauthorized code execution, and availability by causing application crashes. Given VLC's popularity as a free and open-source media player, many European enterprises and public institutions use it, sometimes without strict control over plugin or module usage, increasing exposure. The requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window for proactive mitigation before widespread attacks occur.
Mitigation Recommendations
Disable the VNC module in VLC Media Player if it is not explicitly required, as this reduces the attack surface. Educate users to avoid opening untrusted or unsolicited playlist files and to be cautious when connecting to unfamiliar VNC servers through VLC. Implement application whitelisting or sandboxing for VLC to limit the impact of potential code execution. Monitor network traffic for unusual VNC connections initiated by VLC instances, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Keep VLC Media Player updated and monitor VideoLAN’s official channels for patches addressing this vulnerability; apply updates promptly once available. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous behavior related to VLC processes, such as unexpected crashes or code execution patterns. Restrict user permissions to prevent VLC from executing with elevated privileges, minimizing the impact of a successful exploit. In corporate environments, consider deploying network-level controls to block or scrutinize VNC traffic originating from client machines running VLC.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- mitre
- Date Reserved
- 2022-09-23T00:00:00.000Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
Threat ID: 682d9841c4522896dcbf1aea
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:09:21 AM
Last enriched: 6/21/2025, 11:39:47 PM
Last updated: 8/12/2025, 9:45:59 AM
Views: 11
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