CVE-2020-24829 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2021
An issue was discovered in GPAC v0.8.0, as demonstrated by MP4Box. It contains a heap-based buffer overflow in gf_m2ts_section_complete in media_tools/mpegts.c that can cause a denial of service (DOS) via a crafted MP4 file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2020-24829 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the GPAC multimedia framework version 0.8.0, specifically affecting the MP4Box utility. This issue originates from the gf_m2ts_section_complete function located in the media_tools/mpegts.c source file, demonstrating how multimedia processing libraries can contain dangerous memory corruption vulnerabilities. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted MP4 files that trigger improper memory handling during MPEG-TS section completion operations. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of heap-allocated memory regions. This particular implementation flaw affects the media processing pipeline where MP4Box attempts to parse and handle MPEG-TS data streams, creating a scenario where malicious input can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as heap-based buffer overflows can potentially lead to more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution or system compromise. When a crafted MP4 file is processed by MP4Box, the function gf_m2ts_section_complete fails to properly validate input buffer sizes before performing memory operations, allowing attackers to overflow heap buffers and corrupt adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking in multimedia parsing routines, where the software assumes input data conforms to expected formats without proper validation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multimedia processing applications because they often handle untrusted input from various sources, making them attractive targets for exploitation. The attack surface is broad given that MP4Box is used for various multimedia operations including file conversion, streaming, and playback functions.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how multimedia frameworks remain susceptible to memory corruption issues despite extensive code review processes. The flaw demonstrates the importance of input validation and boundary checking in multimedia processing pipelines, particularly when handling complex container formats like MP4 that may contain embedded MPEG-TS streams. Organizations using GPAC v0.8.0 should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions, implementing input sanitization measures, and restricting processing of untrusted MP4 files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving denial of service and privilege escalation through memory corruption, potentially enabling adversaries to disrupt multimedia services or gain unauthorized access to systems processing vulnerable files. The vulnerability also highlights the need for robust fuzzing and security testing of multimedia libraries, as the issue likely originated from inadequate testing of edge cases in MP4 file parsing operations. Mitigation strategies should include application whitelisting, network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.