CVE-2023-49502 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the widely used multimedia framework Ffmpeg, specifically in the ff_bwdif_filter_intra_c function located in the libavfilter/bwdifdsp.c source file. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of data within the backward deinterlacing filter (bwdif), which can lead to memory corruption when processing crafted video inputs. An attacker can exploit this flaw by supplying malicious media files that trigger the buffer overflow, enabling arbitrary code execution on the affected system. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, reflecting its critical impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction (e.g., opening a malicious file). The scope is unchanged, meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component without extending to other system components. While no public exploits are currently known, the nature of Ffmpeg as a core multimedia processing library used in numerous applications and services makes this vulnerability particularly concerning. The flaw is categorized under CWE-120 (Classic Buffer Overflow), indicating a fundamental memory safety issue. The affected versions are not explicitly listed, but the reference to version n6.1-3-g466799d4f5 suggests recent codebase snapshots or builds prior to patching. This vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise systems running media processing pipelines, streaming servers, or desktop applications that rely on Ffmpeg for video decoding and filtering.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-49502 can be significant, especially for those involved in media production, broadcasting, streaming services, and any enterprise utilizing Ffmpeg for video processing. Exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data breaches, service disruptions, and potential lateral movement within networks. Confidentiality is at risk due to arbitrary code execution capabilities, allowing attackers to access sensitive data. Integrity and availability are also threatened, as attackers could alter or disrupt media processing workflows or crash critical services. Given the widespread use of Ffmpeg in open-source and commercial software, the attack surface is broad. Organizations relying on automated media ingestion or user-uploaded content are particularly vulnerable since user interaction is required to trigger the exploit. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity demands urgent attention to prevent future attacks. Additionally, regulatory compliance in Europe, such as GDPR, may be impacted if data breaches occur due to exploitation of this vulnerability.

1. Monitor official Ffmpeg repositories and security advisories for patches addressing CVE-2023-49502 and apply updates promptly once available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict or sandbox the processing of untrusted or user-supplied media files to limit exposure. 3. Employ application whitelisting and runtime protections such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), Data Execution Prevention (DEP), and stack canaries to reduce exploitation success. 4. Use network segmentation to isolate media processing servers from critical infrastructure and sensitive data stores. 5. Implement strict input validation and filtering on media upload portals to detect and block malformed or suspicious files. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and fuzz testing on media processing components to identify similar vulnerabilities proactively. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of opening untrusted media files and enforce least privilege principles on systems running Ffmpeg. 8. Consider deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) with signatures targeting anomalous behavior related to Ffmpeg exploitation attempts.