CVE-2011-0522
MediumPublic exploitThe StripTags function in (1) the USF decoder (modules/codec/subtitles/subsdec.c) and (2) the Text decoder (modules/codec/subtitles/subsusf.c) in VideoLAN VLC Media Player 1.1 before 1.1.6-rc allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a subtitle with an opening "" in…
Published Feb 7, 2011 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2011-0522
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2011-0522 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 6.8 v2) affecting Vlc Media Player (Videolan), vlc (debian).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 52% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including vlc 1.1.3-1squeeze2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
6.8
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
52%
Higher than 98.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2011-0522 brief as a PDF
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Description
The StripTags function in (1) the USF decoder (modules/codec/subtitles/subsdec.c) and (2) the Text decoder (modules/codec/subtitles/subsusf.c) in VideoLAN VLC Media Player 1.1 before 1.1.6-rc allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a subtitle with an opening "" in an MKV file, which triggers heap memory corruption, as demonstrated using refined-australia-blu720p-sample.mkv.
Affected Products
18 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Vlc Media PlayerVideolan | 1.1.0, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6 | n/a |
| vlcdebian | See advisory | 1.1.3-1squeeze2 |
Patched Releases
vlc
1.1.3-1squeeze2
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 7, 2011
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer
References
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2011-0522
- advisoryADV-2011-0225
- patch[vlc-devel] 20110116 Security: Subtitle StripTags heap corruption, potentially exploitable. Patch included
- patch[oss-security] 20110125 CVE Request: VLC Subtitle StripTags heap corruption
- patch[oss-security] 20110125 Re: CVE Request: VLC Subtitle StripTags heap corruption
FAQ
Common Questions.
The StripTags function in (1) the USF decoder (modules/codec/subtitles/subsdec.c) and (2) the Text decoder (modules/codec/subtitles/subsusf.c) in VideoLAN VLC Media Player 1.1 before 1.1.6-rc allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a subtitle with an opening "" in an MKV file, which triggers heap memory…
Affected: Vlc Media Player (Videolan) versions 1.1.0, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.6; vlc (debian). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including vlc 1.1.3-1squeeze2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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