CVE-2022-3974 in Bento4
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2022
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in Axiomatic Bento4. Affected by this vulnerability is the function AP4_StdcFileByteStream::ReadPartial of the file Ap4StdCFileByteStream.cpp of the component mp4info. The manipulation leads to heap-based buffer overflow. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-213553 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-3974 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Axiomatic Bento4's mp4info component, specifically within the AP4_StdcFileByteStream::ReadPartial function located in Ap4StdCFileByteStream.cpp. This flaw exposes the software to remote exploitation through crafted input files that trigger the buffer overflow condition during file processing operations. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the potential for severe impact including arbitrary code execution and system compromise when exploited.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the ReadPartial function which processes file byte streams. When the function encounters malformed mp4 files or specially crafted input data, it fails to properly validate buffer boundaries during memory allocation and data copying operations. This allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated heap buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations and corrupting program execution flow. The heap-based nature of the overflow means that memory corruption occurs in the heap memory region rather than stack memory, making exploitation more complex but still highly dangerous.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Since the vulnerability can be triggered remotely through network-based file processing, attackers can leverage this flaw in automated exploitation campaigns targeting systems that process mp4 files. The public disclosure of exploits for this vulnerability increases the risk profile significantly, as malicious actors can readily deploy attack vectors without requiring advanced technical skills. Systems that rely on Bento4 for media processing, including content delivery networks, media servers, and digital asset management platforms, face substantial risk exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3974 should prioritize immediate patch application from Axiomatic, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems processing mp4 files and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow patterns and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) when exploited in remote contexts. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and restricting file processing capabilities for untrusted content can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems potentially affected by this and similar vulnerabilities in related software components.