CVE-2021-45291 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2021
The gf_dump_setup function in GPAC 1.0.1 allows malicoius users to cause a denial of service (Invalid memory address dereference) via a crafted file in the MP4Box command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45291 resides within the GPAC multimedia framework version 1.0.1, specifically within the gf_dump_setup function that handles MP4Box command processing. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt system operations through a carefully crafted input file. The vulnerability manifests as an invalid memory address dereference, a condition that occurs when the application attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or are otherwise inaccessible. Such memory access violations typically result in application crashes or system instability, making this a significant concern for any environment relying on GPAC for multimedia processing.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of improper input validation within the MP4Box command interface. When a malicious user provides a specially crafted file to the gf_dump_setup function, the application fails to properly validate the file structure or content before attempting to process it. This lack of proper validation allows the function to proceed with processing invalid or malformed data, ultimately leading to an attempt to dereference a memory address that either does not exist or is not accessible to the current process. The resulting invalid memory access causes the application to crash or behave unpredictably, creating a denial of service condition that prevents legitimate users from accessing the service.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risk to systems that depend on GPAC for multimedia file processing, particularly in environments where automated media handling or batch processing occurs. The denial of service condition can affect not only individual applications but potentially entire multimedia processing pipelines, especially in server environments where multiple users or processes may be submitting files for processing. The vulnerability's exploitability is relatively straightforward, requiring only the creation of a malicious file that triggers the specific memory access pattern, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to disrupt services without requiring extensive technical expertise or resources.
Organizations utilizing GPAC 1.0.1 should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of vendor-provided patches or updates that address the memory validation issue within the gf_dump_setup function. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive testing of updated versions to ensure that the fix does not introduce compatibility issues with existing multimedia workflows. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and restricting file upload capabilities can serve as temporary protective measures while permanent fixes are deployed. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL pointer dereference conditions, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of application crashes or service disruptions that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where multimedia processing is a core function. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in multimedia processing frameworks, highlighting potential risks in similar applications that process untrusted file formats without adequate sanitization measures.