CVE-2018-13009 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 (conditional on a buffer_size_longs check).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13009 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read condition within the gpmf-parser library version 1.1.2. This issue manifests in the GPMF_parser.c source file, specifically within the GPMF_Next function where improper boundary checks lead to memory access violations. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of buffer size parameters and conditional logic involving GPMF_KEY_END and nest_level variables during parsing operations.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. When processing structured data streams, the parser does not adequately enforce size constraints on buffer_size_longs parameters, allowing maliciously crafted input to trigger memory over-read conditions. The conditional checks for GPMF_KEY_END and nest_level variables become problematic when combined with the buffer_size_longs validation, creating scenarios where the parser accesses memory beyond allocated boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. When the parser encounters malformed input data, the over-read behavior can expose sensitive memory contents, facilitate information disclosure attacks, or allow for privilege escalation depending on the execution context. The vulnerability affects any application that utilizes gpmf-parser 1.1.2 for processing GPMF (GoPro Media Format) data streams, which includes various media processing and analysis tools. This issue particularly impacts systems handling multimedia content where GPMF format parsing is required, such as video editing software, media analysis platforms, and embedded systems processing GoPro or similar camera media files.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as memory corruption vulnerabilities often serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with techniques described in ATT&CK's T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) categories. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through library updates, implement input validation controls, and consider runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper buffer management and boundary checking in parsing libraries, emphasizing the need for comprehensive testing including fuzzing and formal verification approaches to identify similar issues in other media processing components.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in parsing libraries, particularly those handling multimedia formats where input data can be highly variable and potentially malicious. The issue underscores the necessity of robust input validation and boundary checking mechanisms in security-sensitive applications, as well as the importance of keeping third-party libraries updated to address known vulnerabilities in the software supply chain.