CVE-2020-16161 in gpmf-parser
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
GoPro gpmf-parser 1.5 has a division-by-zero vulnerability in GPMF_ScaledData(). Parsing malicious input can result in a crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-16161 affects the GoPro gpmf-parser library version 1.5, specifically within the GPMF_ScaledData() function where a division-by-zero error occurs. This issue represents a classic software flaw that can be exploited to cause application instability and potential system crashes. The vulnerability arises during the parsing of GPMF (GoPro Media Format) files, which are commonly used in GoPro cameras and other media devices for storing metadata alongside video content. When the parser encounters malformed or malicious input data, the division-by-zero condition triggers a crash that can be leveraged by attackers to disrupt normal application operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the GPMF_ScaledData() function, which fails to properly handle cases where a denominator value becomes zero during scaling calculations. This type of error falls under the CWE-369 vulnerability category, specifically CWE-369: Division by Zero, which is classified as a weakness in software design that allows attackers to cause abnormal program termination through mathematical operations involving zero. The vulnerability exists because the parser does not validate that scaling factors or denominator values are non-zero before performing division operations, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted GPMF files can force the application into an undefined state.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems that rely on GoPro gpmf-parser for processing media files, particularly in environments where automated processing occurs or where users might encounter untrusted media content. The crash condition can be exploited to cause denial-of-service scenarios, potentially affecting media processing pipelines, content management systems, or any application that integrates this library. Attackers could craft specially formatted GPMF files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, would trigger the division-by-zero error and cause the application to terminate unexpectedly. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated environments where continuous processing of media files occurs, as it could lead to system instability and service interruptions.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be leveraged as part of broader attack strategies within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1499.004 technique related to Network Denial of Service. The vulnerability can be exploited in a chained attack pattern where an attacker first delivers malicious media content, then triggers the division-by-zero condition to cause system instability. Organizations using this library should implement immediate mitigations including input validation checks, proper error handling mechanisms, and thorough testing of media file processing pipelines. The recommended remediation approach involves adding explicit checks to ensure that denominator values are non-zero before performing division operations, along with comprehensive input sanitization routines that validate all GPMF data structures before processing. Additionally, implementing proper exception handling and graceful degradation mechanisms can help prevent complete application crashes while maintaining system stability during the exploitation of such vulnerabilities.