CVE-2017-14259 in Bento4
Summary
by MITRE
In the SDK in Bento4 1.5.0-616, the AP4_StscAtom class in Ap4StscAtom.cpp 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14259 resides within the Bento4 SDK version 1.5.0-616, specifically within the AP4_StscAtom class implementation in the Ap4StscAtom.cpp source file. This represents a critical memory access violation that manifests during the processing of malformed mp4 files, demonstrating a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The flaw occurs when the software attempts to write to memory locations that have not been properly allocated or validated, creating a potential entry point for attackers to manipulate program execution flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically with CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The AP4_StscAtom class is responsible for handling sample table structure information within mp4 containers, making it a critical component in multimedia processing workflows. When processing a crafted mp4 file containing malformed sample table entries, the application fails to properly validate the structure of the atom data, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates during the normal file parsing process, requiring no special privileges or user interaction beyond opening the malicious file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based file delivery, email attachments, or file sharing platforms where users might unknowingly open malicious mp4 files. The vulnerability affects any system that utilizes the Bento4 SDK for mp4 file processing, including content delivery networks, media servers, and multimedia applications. Attackers can craft specially designed mp4 files that trigger the memory access violation when processed by vulnerable applications, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This represents a significant concern for organizations relying on mp4 file handling, as the attack surface is broad and the exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond file opening.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14259 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Bento4 SDK versions to the latest available release that contains the necessary memory validation fixes. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all mp4 content, including signature verification and content scanning before processing. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing robust input sanitization and memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing patterns and memory access violations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in the software security development lifecycle, particularly regarding proper memory management and input validation, as referenced in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for memory corruption vulnerabilities.