CVE-2019-15147 in gpmf-parser
Summary
by MITRE
GoPro GPMF-parser 1.2.2 has an out-of-bounds read and SEGV in GPMF_Next in GPMF_parser.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15147 affects GoPro GPMF-parser version 1.2.2, specifically within the GPMF_parser.c file where the GPMF_Next function exhibits out-of-bounds read behavior leading to segmentation fault conditions. This represents a critical memory safety issue that can be exploited to disrupt the normal operation of applications relying on this parser library. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of GoPro Media File Format metadata structures, which are commonly used in GoPro cameras and other devices that utilize this proprietary format for storing sensor data and metadata alongside video content.
The technical flaw manifests when the GPMF_Next function processes malformed or specially crafted GPMF data streams without proper validation of buffer boundaries. This function is responsible for traversing through the structured metadata elements within GPMF containers, but fails to verify that memory access operations remain within allocated buffer limits. When encountering unexpected data patterns or corrupted metadata structures, the parser attempts to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, resulting in a segmentation fault that terminates the application process. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 out-of-bounds read category, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices and represents a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified in numerous security assessments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be leveraged by attackers to achieve remote code execution or denial-of-service conditions in systems that utilize the affected parser library. Applications using GoPro GPMF-parser for processing video files or metadata extraction may become vulnerable to exploitation when handling untrusted input data, particularly in environments where users can upload or stream media content. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems or IoT devices that rely on GoPro's metadata parsing capabilities for sensor data integration, as these systems may not have robust error handling mechanisms to prevent exploitation. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting input validation flaws to cause system instability or unauthorized access through memory corruption attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15147 should prioritize immediate software updates to the latest version of GoPro GPMF-parser where the bounds checking has been properly implemented. Organizations should also implement input validation measures to sanitize all GPMF data streams before processing, particularly when handling user-provided content or data from untrusted sources. Additionally, runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in security-critical applications and serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive testing including fuzzing and static analysis to identify similar issues in parsing libraries. System administrators should monitor for any applications that may be using vulnerable versions of the library and ensure that all dependencies are updated to prevent potential exploitation scenarios that could lead to system compromise or service disruption.