CVE-2023-51798 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the widely used multimedia framework Ffmpeg, specifically within the libavfilter module's vf_minterpolate filter. The flaw arises from improper handling of floating point exceptions at line 1078 in vf_minterpolate.c, which leads to a buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-120, indicating classic buffer overflow issues that can result in memory corruption. An attacker with local access and limited privileges can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the host system without requiring user interaction. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8, reflecting high severity due to its potential to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), with low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and unchanged scope (S:U). Although no public exploits have been reported, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that once exploit code is developed, it could be leveraged to gain elevated control over affected systems. Ffmpeg is widely deployed in media processing, streaming services, and embedded devices, making this vulnerability relevant to many environments. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate risk mitigation and monitoring.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-51798 can be significant, especially for those relying on Ffmpeg for media processing, broadcasting, video streaming, or content delivery networks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code locally, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. This is particularly critical for media companies, broadcasters, and technology firms that process large volumes of multimedia data. The vulnerability could also affect embedded systems and IoT devices using Ffmpeg, expanding the attack surface. Confidentiality breaches could expose sensitive media content or intellectual property, while integrity and availability impacts could disrupt critical media workflows and services. Given the local attack vector, insider threats or compromised user accounts pose a higher risk. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as exploit development is likely once the vulnerability details are widely known.

1. Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable versions of Ffmpeg, limiting user privileges to the minimum necessary. 2. Monitor system logs and process behavior for anomalies related to Ffmpeg execution, particularly crashes or floating point exceptions. 3. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block suspicious activity involving Ffmpeg processes. 4. Isolate critical media processing environments from general user access to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 5. Prepare to apply official patches or updates from Ffmpeg maintainers as soon as they become available; subscribe to security advisories for timely notifications. 6. Consider using containerization or sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 7. Conduct internal audits to identify all instances of Ffmpeg usage across the organization to ensure comprehensive coverage of mitigation efforts.