CVE-2019-9928 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE
GStreamer before 1.16.0 has a heap-based buffer overflow in the RTSP connection parser via a crafted response from a server, potentially allowing remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9928 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the GStreamer multimedia framework version 1.16.0 and earlier. This flaw exists in the RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) connection parser component, which is responsible for handling streaming media connections between clients and servers. The vulnerability arises when GStreamer processes a specially crafted response from an RTSP server, creating a condition where memory allocation boundaries are exceeded. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The RTSP protocol implementation in GStreamer fails to properly validate input data length before copying it into fixed-size buffers, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly across various networked multimedia applications that rely on GStreamer for streaming media processing. An attacker positioned in a man-in-the-middle position or controlling an RTSP server can exploit this vulnerability by sending a malformed response that triggers the buffer overflow during parsing operations. When the vulnerable code executes, it can overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures, potentially enabling remote code execution. This attack vector is particularly concerning because RTSP is commonly used in surveillance systems, video conferencing applications, and multimedia streaming services where GStreamer serves as a foundational component. The vulnerability affects not only desktop applications but also embedded systems and IoT devices that utilize GStreamer for media processing, expanding the potential attack surface considerably.
The exploitation of CVE-2019-9928 aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1203 category for legitimate credentials and T1059 for command and control. The vulnerability enables adversaries to achieve persistent remote code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of GStreamer, potentially allowing them to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use compromised systems as launch points for further attacks. Security researchers have noted that the memory corruption pattern associated with this vulnerability can be reliably triggered through network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where GStreamer components handle untrusted RTSP streams. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that GStreamer is widely deployed across multiple operating systems and platforms, including Linux distributions, Android systems, and various multimedia applications. Organizations using GStreamer for real-time streaming applications should prioritize immediate patching, as the vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction once a connection is established with a malicious RTSP server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9928 primarily focus on updating to GStreamer version 1.16.0 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. System administrators should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict RTSP traffic to trusted sources, particularly in surveillance and multimedia environments where the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks is higher. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous RTSP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The patch released by the GStreamer project includes enhanced input validation routines that prevent oversized data from being copied into fixed buffers, effectively closing the memory corruption vulnerability. Security teams should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected GStreamer versions and ensure that proper access controls are implemented for RTSP connections to minimize exposure to potential attackers.