CVE-2021-36417 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2022
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in GPAC v1.0.1 in the gf_isom_dovi_config_get function in MP4Box, which causes a denial of service or execute arbitrary code via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2022
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-36417 affects GPAC version 1.0.1 and specifically targets the gf_isom_dovi_config_get function within the MP4Box component. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited through the careful crafting of malicious media files, potentially leading to severe consequences including system compromise and denial of service conditions. The flaw resides in how the software processes Dolby Vision configuration data within MP4 container files, making it particularly dangerous for multimedia applications that handle diverse video formats. The vulnerability operates at the heap memory management level, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Dolby Vision configuration parsing logic. When MP4Box processes a specially crafted file containing malformed Dolby Vision metadata, the gf_isom_dovi_config_get function fails to properly validate the size parameters of the incoming data structure. This allows an attacker to overflow the heap-allocated buffer and overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow, which falls under CWE-122, representing an improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer. The attack vector requires the victim application to process a malicious file, making it particularly concerning for multimedia players, content processing applications, and digital media management systems that utilize GPAC libraries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on GPAC-based multimedia processing systems. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain full control over affected systems, especially when the vulnerable software is used in web browsers, media servers, or content delivery platforms. Denial of service scenarios can also occur when the buffer overflow corrupts critical memory structures, causing application crashes or system instability. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures where multimedia content processing is automated. Security analysts should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated media processing occurs, such as content management systems, streaming platforms, or digital asset management solutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-36417 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GPAC installations to version 1.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all incoming multimedia content, particularly when processing files from untrusted sources or external users. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit the potential attack surface, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all systems utilizing GPAC libraries, ensuring that proper input sanitization measures are in place. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting, using sandboxing techniques, and maintaining up-to-date security patches for all multimedia processing software will significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in legitimate functionality while maintaining the system's ability to process valid Dolby Vision content properly.