CVE-2023-44446 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
GStreamer MXF File Parsing Use-After-Free 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 MXF video files. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22299.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The CVE-2023-44446 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the GStreamer multimedia framework's handling of MXF (Material eXchange Format) video files. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, where memory that has been freed is accessed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The issue manifests when GStreamer processes MXF files without proper validation of object existence before performing operations on them, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the memory management flaw.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to craft malicious MXF files that trigger the flawed parsing logic within GStreamer's media processing pipeline. When the library attempts to access freed memory locations during MXF file parsing, the attacker can manipulate the memory layout to redirect execution flow or inject malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because GStreamer serves as a foundational multimedia framework for numerous applications including web browsers, media players, and content management systems. The attack vector can vary significantly depending on how GStreamer is integrated into different applications, making the vulnerability potentially widespread across multiple attack surfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to operate within the security context of the affected process. This means that if GStreamer is used in a web browser environment, the exploitation could lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects installations where GStreamer is actively processing MXF files, whether through direct user interaction, automated processing pipelines, or content delivery systems. The ZDI-CAN-22299 reference indicates this vulnerability was tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community and the potential for widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-44446 should focus on immediate patching of affected GStreamer versions, as well as implementing network-level controls to prevent processing of untrusted MXF files. Organizations should consider deploying web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block potentially malicious MXF content. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and memory management practices in applications that utilize GStreamer can help reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in multimedia frameworks and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to code injection and privilege escalation through memory corruption vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of multimedia processing components and maintaining updated dependencies are essential defensive measures against similar use-after-free vulnerabilities in the broader software ecosystem.