CVE-2019-20087 in gpmf-parser
Summary
by MITRE
GoPro GPMF-parser 1.2.3 has a heap-based buffer over-read in GPMF_seekToSamples in GPMF-parse.c for the "matching tags" feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20087 resides within the GoPro GPMF-parser library version 1.2.3, specifically within the GPMF_seekToSamples function located in the GPMF-parse.c file. This issue represents a heap-based buffer over-read that occurs during the processing of "matching tags" functionality, creating a potential security risk for systems that utilize this parsing library. The GPMF-parser is designed to handle GoPro camera metadata formats, which contain time-stamped sensor data and other telemetry information recorded during video capture sessions.
The technical flaw manifests when the parser encounters certain malformed or specially crafted input data that triggers the matching tags feature. During this process, the GPMF_seekToSamples function attempts to read beyond the boundaries of allocated heap memory, potentially accessing invalid memory locations. This over-read condition can result in information disclosure, application instability, or in severe cases, arbitrary code execution depending on the memory layout and exploitation conditions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the parsing logic that fails to properly validate the size and structure of input data before processing tag matching operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple parsing failures, as it can affect any application or system that relies on the GoPro GPMF-parser for metadata extraction from video files. Attackers could potentially craft malicious GoPro video files that trigger the buffer over-read condition when processed by vulnerable applications, leading to denial of service conditions or information leakage. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated processing of GoPro video content occurs, such as content management systems, video analysis platforms, or digital asset management solutions that may automatically parse metadata from uploaded files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-20087 should prioritize updating to the latest version of the GoPro GPMF-parser library where the buffer over-read issue has been addressed through proper bounds checking implementation. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that sanitize all GoPro metadata files before processing, particularly in scenarios involving untrusted input sources. Additionally, deploying memory safety features such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can help reduce the exploitability of such vulnerabilities. This issue aligns with CWE-125, which identifies out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through malicious file processing. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of systems using this library should be conducted to ensure proper remediation and prevent potential exploitation attempts targeting this heap-based buffer over-read condition.