CVE-2017-12475 in mp4encrypt
Summary
by MITRE
The AP4_Processor::Process function in Core/Ap4Processor.cpp in Bento4 mp4encrypt before 1.5.0-616 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and application crash) via a crafted mp4 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12475 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Bento4 mp4encrypt tool suite, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.5.0-616. This issue resides in the AP4_Processor::Process function located within the Core/Ap4Processor.cpp source file, which forms a core component of the Bento4 multimedia processing framework. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted mp4 files, leading to a null pointer dereference condition that ultimately results in application crash and complete service disruption. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities that can be exploited to cause system instability and denial of service conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of mp4 file structures that contain malformed or specially crafted data elements within the file's metadata or content streams. When the AP4_Processor::Process function attempts to handle these crafted inputs, it fails to properly validate the input data before attempting to dereference pointers that remain uninitialized or set to null values. This processing path does not include adequate null checks or error handling mechanisms, allowing the application to proceed with invalid memory operations that trigger a segmentation fault or access violation. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which encompasses network denial of service attacks through application level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to compromise the availability of systems that utilize the affected mp4encrypt functionality. In environments where automated media processing pipelines rely on Bento4 tools for content encryption and packaging, this vulnerability could be leveraged to create persistent service interruptions that affect content delivery, media processing workflows, and overall system reliability. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local access or physical presence, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where media files are processed automatically. Organizations using Bento4 for digital rights management, content protection, or media workflow automation face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be triggered through legitimate file processing operations without requiring user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12475 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to Bento4 1.5.0-616 or later releases where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and null pointer checks. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of the affected software are updated across the enterprise infrastructure. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and sandboxing mechanisms for mp4 file processing can provide defense-in-depth measures that limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual processing patterns or application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be implemented to restrict processing of untrusted media files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation and error handling in multimedia processing applications, particularly those handling complex file formats that require extensive parsing and manipulation of structured data.