CVE-2018-13026 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_Type.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13026 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the gpmf-parser library version 1.1.2. This issue resides in the GPMF_parser.c source file and specifically affects the GPMF_Type function implementation. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly verify the size and integrity of data structures before processing them in memory. Such buffer over-read conditions occur when a program attempts to read data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a heap-allocated buffer, potentially exposing sensitive information or enabling arbitrary code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the scope of CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. This flaw demonstrates a classic memory safety issue where the parser fails to validate the length of incoming data streams before attempting to process them. When malformed or oversized data structures are encountered during the GPMF_Type function execution, the parser continues to read beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially accessing adjacent memory regions that may contain sensitive data or control information. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability indicates that the affected memory allocation occurs dynamically during program execution, making the exploitation more complex but no less dangerous.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially enable remote code execution or privilege escalation depending on the execution context and system configuration. Attackers who can craft malicious GPMF data streams may exploit this vulnerability to read sensitive memory contents, potentially extracting encryption keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability affects any application or system that utilizes the gpmf-parser library for processing GPMF (GoPro Media Format) data, which is commonly used in video processing applications, media management systems, and digital asset management platforms. The consequences can be particularly severe in environments where such parsers are used to process untrusted input from external sources, creating potential attack vectors for privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes including comprehensive input validation, proper bounds checking, and memory allocation safeguards. The recommended approach involves implementing strict size validation before buffer operations, utilizing safe string and memory handling functions, and ensuring proper buffer boundary checking mechanisms are in place. Security practitioners should also consider implementing application-level sandboxing, input sanitization, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations utilizing the gpmf-parser library should prioritize updating to patched versions or implementing defensive programming techniques that prevent the execution of malformed data structures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following the ATT&CK framework's guidance on preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities, particularly those related to buffer overflows and out-of-bounds memory access patterns that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent access within compromised systems.