CVE-2023-37766 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
GPAC v2.3-DEV-rev381-g817a848f6-master was discovered to contain a segmentation violation in the gf_isom_remove_user_data function at /lib/libgpac.so.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37766 represents a critical segmentation fault within the GPAC multimedia framework version 2.3-DEV-rev381-g817a848f6-master. This issue manifests specifically within the gf_isom_remove_user_data function located in the /lib/libgpac.so library, indicating a fundamental memory management flaw that could potentially lead to system instability or arbitrary code execution. The GPAC framework serves as a comprehensive multimedia solution for handling various digital media formats including iso media files, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given its potential impact on media processing applications.
The technical flaw stems from improper memory handling within the gf_isom_remove_user_data function which appears to fail during segmentation operations when processing user data within iso media files. This segmentation violation occurs when the function attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or have already been freed, creating a scenario where the application crashes or behaves unpredictably. The vulnerability is classified as a memory corruption issue that aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and potentially CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The nature of the flaw suggests that an attacker could exploit this condition through malformed iso media files to trigger the segmentation fault, potentially leading to denial of service or more severe consequences depending on the execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes as it affects any system utilizing GPAC for iso media file processing, including media players, content management systems, and multimedia applications that depend on the framework's capabilities. When exploited, the segmentation violation could cause complete application termination, system instability, or potentially provide a foothold for further exploitation if the vulnerable system is running with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where automated media processing occurs, as maliciously crafted iso files could be used to disrupt services or create persistent denial of service conditions. This flaw directly impacts the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks, and could potentially enable privilege escalation through system instability if proper memory protection mechanisms are not in place.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37766 should prioritize immediate patching of the GPAC framework to the latest stable release that addresses this segmentation fault. Organizations should implement input validation controls to sanitize all iso media files before processing, particularly focusing on user data sections that could trigger the vulnerable function. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure to potentially malicious media content, while application sandboxing techniques can help contain potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect abnormal application termination patterns or memory access violations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and proper memory management practices in multimedia frameworks, particularly those handling complex file formats where user data manipulation can lead to critical system instability. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across their infrastructure.