Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in modules/demux/subtitle.c in VideoLAN VLC 0.8.6d allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long subtitle in a (1) MicroDvd, (2) SSA, and (3) Vplayer file.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | vlc | 0.8.6.c-4.1 | — |
| Debian 13 | vlc | 0.8.6.c-4.1 | — |
| Debian 12 | vlc | 0.8.6.c-4.1 | — |
| Debian 4.0 | vlc | 0.8.6-svn20061012.debian-5.1+etch2 | DSA-1543-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Kantaris 0.3.4 - SSA Subtitle Local Buffer Overflow EDB-5498 · local · Apr 25, 2008 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-1543-1 vlc - several vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 29284 third-party-advisory
- DSA-1543 vendor-advisory
- 3550 third-party-advisory
- 5667 exploit
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:14334 vdb-entry signature
- http://www.videolan.org/security/sa0801.php
- 28233 third-party-advisory
- GLSA-200804-25 vendor-advisory
- 27015 vdb-entry
- [vlc-devel] 20070630 vlc: svn commit r20715 (fenrir) mailing-list
- http://wiki.videolan.org/Changelog/0.8.6f
- 29800 third-party-advisory
- [vlc-devel] 20070626 subtitle processing overflows mailing-list
- 20071224 Buffer-overflow and format string in VideoLAN VLC 0.8.6d mailing-list
- 29766 third-party-advisory
- 42207 vdb-entry
- http://aluigi.altervista.org/adv/vlcboffs-adv.txt
- GLSA-200803-13 vendor-advisory