CVE-2021-44918 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 12/22/2021
A Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability exists in gpac 1.1.0 in the gf_node_get_field function, which can cause a segmentation fault and application crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-44918 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the gpac 1.1.0 multimedia framework, specifically impacting the gf_node_get_field function. This issue arises when the application attempts to access a null pointer reference during the processing of multimedia content, leading to abrupt application termination through segmentation fault conditions. The gpac framework serves as a comprehensive multimedia solution supporting various formats and protocols, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems relying on its functionality for content processing and playback operations.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation within the gf_node_get_field function, which fails to properly check for null pointer conditions before attempting memory dereferencing operations. When malformed or maliciously crafted multimedia files are processed through the gpac framework, the function receives unexpected null references that it cannot handle gracefully, resulting in immediate application crashes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, and demonstrates how insufficient error handling can lead to denial of service scenarios. The flaw operates at the application level within the multimedia processing pipeline, where the framework parses and interprets various media elements and their associated metadata.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-44918 extends beyond simple application crashes, potentially enabling attackers to execute remote denial of service attacks against systems utilizing gpac 1.1.0. This vulnerability can be exploited through the injection of malformed media files that trigger the null pointer dereference condition during normal processing operations. Systems deployed in environments where gpac is used for content delivery, streaming services, or multimedia processing applications face significant risk, as attackers could disrupt service availability by simply submitting specially crafted media files. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through application-level exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise and service provider environments where continuous availability is critical.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of gpac installations to versions that address the null pointer dereference condition in the gf_node_get_field function. Organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all multimedia content before processing, particularly when dealing with externally sourced files. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure to potentially malicious content, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual application crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of multimedia processing pipelines should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related components, and application-level sandboxing techniques can be employed to contain potential impacts should exploitation occur. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that patched versions maintain full compatibility with existing multimedia processing workflows while eliminating the null pointer dereference condition.