CVE-2020-16159 in gpmf-parser
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
GoPro gpmf-parser 1.5 has a heap out-of-bounds read and segfault in GPMF_ScaledData(). Parsing malicious input can result in a crash or information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-16159 affects the GoPro gpmf-parser library version 1.5, specifically within the GPMF_ScaledData() function where a heap out-of-bounds read condition occurs. This flaw represents a critical security issue that can be exploited through malicious input processing, potentially leading to system instability or information disclosure. The vulnerability manifests when the parser encounters malformed or crafted input data that triggers improper memory access patterns during the scaled data processing operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the GPMF_ScaledData() function. When processing structured media metadata from GoPro devices, the parser fails to properly verify array indices or buffer limits before accessing heap-allocated memory regions. This memory access violation occurs during the scaled data interpretation phase, where the parser attempts to read beyond allocated memory boundaries, resulting in segmentation faults or unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-248, covering unspecified CWE entries related to improper input validation. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with heap-based buffer overflow conditions that can be leveraged for denial of service or information disclosure attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-16159 extends beyond simple system crashes, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive information from memory regions adjacent to the vulnerable buffer. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause applications using the gpmf-parser library to terminate unexpectedly, creating denial of service conditions for legitimate users. The information disclosure aspect arises from the possibility that memory contents adjacent to the heap buffer may contain sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system information. Attackers could potentially craft malicious GPMF data streams that trigger the out-of-bounds read, leading to partial memory disclosure that might aid in further exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through library updates to versions that address the heap access boundary issues. System administrators and developers should implement input validation measures that sanitize all GPMF data streams before processing, particularly when handling untrusted media files or streaming data from external sources. The implementation of address sanitization tools and memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or heap metadata validation can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect abnormal memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 for network infiltration and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers might leverage the instability to execute further malicious code or establish persistent access. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in multimedia processing libraries, particularly those handling structured binary formats from consumer devices.