CVE-2018-13007 in gpmf-parser
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in gpmf-parser 1.1.2. There is a heap-based buffer over-read in GPMF_parser.c in the function GPMF_Next, related to certain checks for GPMF_KEY_END and nest_level (not conditional on a buffer_size_longs check).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13007 resides within the gpmf-parser library version 1.1.2, specifically within the GPMF_parser.c source file. This issue manifests as a heap-based buffer over-read that occurs during the execution of the GPMF_Next function, representing a critical security flaw that can potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify buffer boundaries before processing structured data streams, particularly when handling GPMF_KEY_END markers and nest_level variables during parsing operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper conditional logic within the GPMF_Next function where checks for GPMF_KEY_END and nest_level variables do not include proper buffer_size_longs validation before proceeding with memory access operations. This flaw creates a scenario where the parser may attempt to read beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries when processing certain GPMF data structures, leading to potential information disclosure, system instability, or arbitrary code execution depending on the exploitation context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an "Out-of-bounds Read" which directly impacts the memory safety and integrity of applications utilizing this library.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on gpmf-parser for processing GoPro Media Format data streams, which are commonly used in video processing applications, media analysis tools, and digital forensics platforms. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious GPMF data payloads that trigger the buffer over-read condition, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the over-read behavior can reveal sensitive memory contents including stack canaries, heap metadata, or other application secrets that could facilitate further exploitation techniques.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when considering how an attacker might leverage such memory corruption flaws in broader attack chains. Organizations using applications built on or dependent upon gpmf-parser version 1.1.2 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, memory bounds checking, and library version updates to prevent potential exploitation. The recommended remediation involves updating to a patched version of gpmf-parser where the buffer over-read conditions have been properly addressed through enhanced boundary checks and conditional logic that ensures buffer_size_longs validation occurs before any memory access operations related to GPMF_KEY_END and nest_level processing. Additionally, implementing proper memory sanitization techniques and runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts.