CVE-2022-29340 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 05/05/2022
GPAC 2.1-DEV-rev87-g053aae8-master. has a Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability in gf_isom_parse_movie_boxes_internal due to improper return value handling of GF_SKIP_BOX, which causes a Denial of Service. This vulnerability was fixed in commit 37592ad.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29340 resides within the GPAC multimedia framework version 2.1-DEV-rev87-g053aae8-master, specifically within the gf_isom_parse_movie_boxes_internal function. This flaw represents a critical null pointer dereference issue that manifests when processing ISO Base Media File Format (ISOBMFF) containers, commonly used in multimedia applications and streaming protocols. The vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of return values during box parsing operations, particularly when encountering GF_SKIP_BOX conditions during media file analysis. The affected function fails to properly validate pointer states before dereferencing, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted media files can trigger system crashes and service interruptions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper management of GF_SKIP_BOX return codes within the ISO file structure parsing logic. When the parser encounters certain box structures that should be skipped during processing, the function does not adequately verify whether the pointer references remain valid before attempting to access them. This condition creates a path where a null pointer dereference occurs, leading to abrupt program termination and system instability. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations, and demonstrates how improper error handling can lead to denial of service scenarios.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems utilizing GPAC for multimedia processing, particularly in server environments handling user-uploaded content or automated media processing pipelines. The denial of service aspect means that attackers can craft specially formatted media files that will cause applications using GPAC to crash, potentially disrupting services for legitimate users. This affects various applications including streaming servers, content management systems, and multimedia processing platforms that rely on GPAC for format handling and conversion. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to potential availability issues in critical infrastructure where multimedia processing is essential.
The fix implemented in commit 37592ad addresses this vulnerability by ensuring proper return value handling and pointer validation within the gf_isom_parse_movie_boxes_internal function. This mitigation involves adding appropriate null checks before pointer dereference operations and correctly managing the GF_SKIP_BOX return codes to prevent invalid memory access patterns. Security practitioners should prioritize updating affected systems to versions incorporating this fix, as the vulnerability can be exploited without authentication and requires minimal payload complexity to trigger. Organizations utilizing GPAC-based applications should conduct thorough testing to ensure the patch does not introduce regressions in legitimate media processing functionality while maintaining robust protection against this denial of service threat vector. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in multimedia frameworks and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks through application-level vulnerabilities.