Description
VideoLAN VLC media player 2.2.x is prone to a use after free vulnerability which an attacker can leverage to execute arbitrary code via crafted MKV files. Failed exploit attempts will likely result in denial of service conditions.
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 | 3.0.3-1-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | vlc | 3.0.3-1-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | vlc | 3.0.3-1-1 | — |
| Debian 9 | vlc | 3.0.3-1-0+deb9u1 | DSA-4251-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTS | vlc | 2.2.2-5ubuntu0.16.04.5+esm1 | USN-4805-1 |
| Ubuntu Pro 14.04 LTS | vlc | 2.1.6-0ubuntu14.04.5+esm1 | USN-4805-1 |
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.
Metasploit 1 module
-
VLC Media Player MKV Use After Free
exploit/windows/fileformat/vlc_mkv
Exploit-DB 1
- VLC Media Player - MKV Use-After-Free (Metasploit) EDB-45626 · local · Oct 16, 2018 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 4
- USN-4805-1 vlc vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Jun 29, 2026
- ICSA-26-146-05 ABB Ability Camera Connect CISA ICS & IT advisories · May 26, 2026
- DSA-4251-1 vlc - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- 4HZM000603 ABB Ability Camera Connect Vulnerabilities in outdated 3rd party component (VLC) ABB PSIRT · Nov 28, 2025
References
- 1041311 vdb-entry
- 20180710 VLC media player 2.2.8 Arbitrary Code Execution PoC mailing-list
- 45626 exploit
- DSA-4251 vendor-advisory