CVE-2023-44429 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
GStreamer AV1 Codec Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. Interaction with this library is required to exploit this vulnerability but attack vectors may vary depending on the implementation.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of AV1 encoded video files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22226.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The CVE-2023-44429 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the GStreamer AV1 codec parsing component that enables remote code execution. This vulnerability resides within the multimedia processing framework's handling of AV1 encoded video files, making it particularly dangerous as AV1 is widely adopted for streaming and video content delivery. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation during the parsing process where user-supplied data is copied to a fixed-size heap buffer without proper length verification, creating a classic buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers can trigger the flaw through crafted AV1 video files delivered via web browsers, media players, or any application that utilizes GStreamer for video processing. This issue affects a broad range of systems including desktop applications, web browsers, and mobile platforms that depend on GStreamer's multimedia capabilities for video playback and processing operations. The attack vector requires interaction with the vulnerable GStreamer library, but the exact exploitation mechanism can vary based on how different applications implement the library's functionality, making the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-787, out-of-bounds write, which are fundamental weaknesses in memory safety that enable arbitrary code execution. The flaw operates by manipulating the AV1 codec's parsing logic to cause a buffer overflow when processing malformed video data, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially redirect execution flow. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where the overflow could be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. The heap-based nature of the vulnerability means that the overflow occurs in dynamically allocated memory, making exploitation more complex but also more persistent than stack-based alternatives. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow privilege escalation if the affected application runs with elevated permissions. Attackers can craft specific AV1 video files that trigger the buffer overflow when the parser attempts to decode or validate the video stream, making this vulnerability particularly insidious as it can be exploited through legitimate video playback scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-44429 is severe given GStreamer's widespread adoption across multiple platforms and applications including web browsers, media players, desktop environments, and mobile operating systems. Any system that processes AV1 video content through GStreamer is potentially vulnerable, creating a substantial attack surface that includes web-based video applications, streaming services, and desktop media applications. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond viewing or downloading the malicious video content. This vulnerability affects not just end-user applications but also server-side applications that process video uploads or generate video content, making it a critical concern for organizations operating media processing services. The exploitation complexity varies based on the target application's implementation and the specific memory layout, but the fundamental flaw remains consistent across all affected implementations. Organizations using affected versions of GStreamer should immediately implement mitigation strategies including disabling AV1 codec support where possible, updating to patched versions, and implementing network-level restrictions on video content processing. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that organizations must consider both their internal network security and external threat landscape when assessing risk and implementing defensive measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-44429 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GStreamer versions, as this represents a critical vulnerability that requires urgent attention from system administrators and security teams. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems processing video content, particularly those handling user-uploaded media where the vulnerability could be exploited through malicious AV1 files. Application-level mitigations include disabling AV1 codec support in affected applications until patches are deployed, implementing strict input validation for video file processing, and using sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual video processing activities or attempts to load malformed AV1 content that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact extends to both client-side and server-side applications, requiring comprehensive security assessments across all systems that utilize GStreamer's multimedia processing capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing remote code execution vulnerabilities in multimedia processing libraries. The ATT&CK framework's T1190 technique for exploit for client execution highlights the importance of protecting client applications that process multimedia content, while T1078.004 for valid accounts may also be relevant if exploitation leads to privilege escalation through compromised user accounts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify systems running vulnerable versions of GStreamer and ensure proper remediation.