CVE-2022-43035 in Bento4
Summary
by MITRE • 10/19/2022
An issue was discovered in Bento4 v1.6.0-639. There is a heap-buffer-overflow in AP4_Dec3Atom::AP4_Dec3Atom at Ap4Dec3Atom.cpp, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS), as demonstrated by mp42aac.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2022-43035 represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition within the Bento4 multimedia framework version 1.6.0-639. This flaw exists in the AP4_Dec3Atom::AP4_Dec3Atom function located in the Ap4Dec3Atom.cpp source file, which processes Dolby Digital Plus (AC-3) audio metadata within mp4 container files. The issue manifests when the application encounters malformed or maliciously crafted mp4 files containing specially constructed dec3 atoms, which are used to store AC-3 audio configuration data. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of these atoms, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write beyond the allocated heap memory region, potentially causing the application to crash or behave unpredictably.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the standard input processing flow of the Bento4 library when handling mp4 files through tools like mp42aac utility. When the parser encounters a malformed dec3 atom with oversized or malformed data fields, it fails to properly validate the input size before attempting to copy data into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow scenario falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where the vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices. The flaw specifically impacts the application's ability to correctly parse audio metadata, as the parser does not properly handle cases where the atom's data length field exceeds the actual available data in the file.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-43035 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within multimedia processing environments. When exploited, the heap buffer overflow can cause the targeted application to terminate abruptly, leading to service disruption for legitimate users. In automated processing environments where Bento4 is used for batch conversion or media analysis, this vulnerability could enable an attacker to repeatedly crash processing pipelines, effectively rendering the system unusable. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where mp4 files are processed automatically, as it could be exploited to create persistent denial of service conditions that require manual intervention to resolve.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the Bento4 library to version 1.6.0-640 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that filter or reject mp4 files containing suspicious dec3 atom structures before they reach the vulnerable parsing code. Network-based defenses can include implementing content inspection rules that identify and block malformed mp4 files with oversized atoms, while application-level defenses should incorporate robust error handling and memory protection mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through compromised media processing applications, though the immediate impact is limited to denial of service rather than arbitrary code execution. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for media processing tasks to limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in other components of their multimedia processing pipelines.