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File Extensions

.MP4 Files

The .MP4 file extension is a file type created by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG).

.MP4 files are designed to store various media types and were originally based on the Apple QuickTime format. Despite its higher quality, capability to stream over the Internet, ability to contain multiple audio and video streams in a single file, store still images, subtitles and operate at variable bit and frame rates, the .MP4 file is still is not quite as popular as the .MP3 format - although this is certainly changing. As the popularity of I-tunes, I-pods, cellular phones and gaming systems grows, the MP4 format is gaining ground on the .MP3 format.

Opening .MP4 Files

If formatted correctly, an .MP4 file can be played back on either your PC or laptop, your .MP4-compatable cellular phone or other PDD (Portable Digital Device) like i-Pod, MP3 Player or i-Phone.

In order to play an .MP4 file on your PC or laptop you will need the most recent version of your preferred video playback application - such as Windows Media Player or QuickTime - installed on your computer system. Given the wide range of differing cellular phone technologies it is likely you will need to "convert" many of the music and video files you have on your computer to the file type compatible with your cell phone in order to play the .MP4 file.

If you have the correct software installed on your PC, and/or the correct file type for your PDD, and still cannot open a .MP4 file you may be dealing with a totally different set of issues - a problem with the file association between the .MP4 file extension, the video playback software and the computer operating system. Fortunately most file extension-related errors can be easily resolved by running a Windows Registry Optimizer which cleans the Registry and repairs many of these types of problems. These programs also tend to keep the Windows Registry working efficiently, speed up the PC or laptop and generally keep the computer functioning smoothly.

Common Issues With .MP4 Files

.MP4 files themselves are a stable audio/video "container" file type - common problems generally fall into two categories: version issues and vulnerabilities in the software that plays back these files.

Playing .MP4 files requires an MP4 compatible playback application, correctly installed coders and decoders, a current set of file filters - any one of these components that is incompatible with your operating system can cause .MP4 playback problems. Be sure to have the most recent version of your .MP4 playback software installed - this should take care of most versioning problems.

There are a host of third party applications that cater to the .MP4 file format and which are widely available on the Internet. These applications also experience to a certain extent, vulnerabilities associated with the .MP4 file format such as:

  • Memory overwrite error in the .MP4 file demuxer which can lead to denial of service or the execution of arbitrary code;

  • Boundary error within the .MP4 demuxer that can be exploited to execute malicious programs;

  • Error in handling .MP4 files that leads to memory corruption thereby compromising the user’s computer system;

  • .MP4 file Parsing Buffer Overflow caused by failure to check for memory buffer size sufficiency and results in denial of service or vulnerability of user privileges;

  • Memory corruption in the library libmp4v2.dll which can result to execution of illegal codes and fool the user to open specially prepared MP4 files; and,

  • .MP4 decoding problem that allows automatic execution of .MP4 files when downloaded to the local computer allowing malicious files to present themselves as .MP4 files without arousing any suspicion. They then execute a malicious payload using your administrator credentials. (See Security Threats below)

For the majority of these issues, solving the problem begins with applying any available vendor application patches and upgrading the application to the most current version.

Security Issues With .MP4 Files

.MP4 files in general can be associated with any application that can interpret the MPEG-2 video format and the corresponding audio format multiplexed with it. The majority of security issues that deal with the .MP4 file type is that it is an "executable" file that will automatically launch the audio playback application you have associated with it - which can in turn expose your system to potential security threats. Once you activate the .MP4 file you have absolutely no control over its actions.

There are some third party software applications that are capable of implementing a non-secure temporary file creation which can potential open your operating system to attack. This attack is executed during the copying of .MP4 files from an optical media (the DVD) to your computer hard drive in preparation for editing or ripping.

Put simply, malicious data can be appended to a .MP4 file which is activated when you launch the file - depending on the specific actions programmed into the appended code the program can simulate your user privileges and can infect or otherwise destroy your system - depending on the nature of the embedded file. The most practical solution is to make sure that before ripping and burning .MP4 files, you have trusted anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam controls, privacy software, a registry cleaner and data recovery tools activated and protecting your system. Scan the DVD with your installed anti-virus application before starting the ripping process and it is a good idea to have your computer backed up with a reliable data recovery utility in case there is an unforeseen problem.

.MP4 Revolution

Even with some of the challenges note above, .MP4 files presents a new way of distributing video and audio content over the Internet. The are usually of DVD quality video and equally high definition audio clarity. The .MP4 Codec also provides you with the functionality of reducing the file size to a level that can be accommodated as an e-mail attachment and easily shared over the Internet or a computer network.

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