CVE-2017-14258 in Bento4
Summary
by MITRE
In the SDK in Bento4 1.5.0-616, SetItemCount in Core/Ap4StscAtom.h file contains a Write Memory Access Violation vulnerability. It is possible to exploit this vulnerability and possibly execute arbitrary code by opening a crafted .MP4 file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14258 resides within the Bento4 SDK version 1.5.0-616, specifically in the Core/Ap4StscAtom.h file where the SetItemCount function exhibits a write memory access violation. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited through manipulation of MP4 media files, demonstrating a classic buffer overflow scenario that has significant implications for multimedia processing applications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the atom structure handling mechanism of the MP4 file format parser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the SetItemCount function processes crafted MP4 files containing maliciously constructed stsc (sample to chunk) atoms. The stsc atom maps sample numbers to chunk numbers within MP4 files, and when improperly handled, the function fails to validate the number of items being set, leading to memory corruption. This memory access violation manifests as a write operation to unauthorized memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical program data or execute arbitrary code. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions, both of which are commonly exploited in multimedia file parsing scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14258 extends beyond simple file corruption, as it enables remote code execution through the manipulation of MP4 files that are commonly used in web browsers, media players, and content delivery systems. When exploited, this vulnerability can compromise systems running applications that utilize the Bento4 SDK for MP4 file processing, including streaming servers, content management systems, and multimedia applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning because MP4 files are ubiquitous across the internet, making this vulnerability potentially exploitable in numerous real-world scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables arbitrary code execution through legitimate file processing mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14258 require immediate patching of the Bento4 SDK to version 1.5.0-617 or later, which contains the necessary memory validation fixes. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all MP4 files processed by systems utilizing the SDK, including file format verification and size limitation checks. Network-based defenses should include content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent the execution of potentially malicious MP4 files. Additionally, security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through log analysis and implement proper memory protection mechanisms such as DEP and ASLR to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file format parsers against malicious input.