CVE-2023-4681 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2023
NULL Pointer Dereference in GitHub repository gpac/gpac prior to 2.3-DEV.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
A null pointer dereference vulnerability exists in the gpac multimedia framework repository prior to version 2.3-DEV, representing a critical software flaw that can lead to application crashes and potential exploitation. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the media processing components where the software fails to adequately check for null pointers before dereferencing them during file parsing operations. The flaw manifests when the application encounters malformed or specially crafted media files that trigger unexpected code paths, causing the program to attempt accessing memory at address zero. Such behavior violates fundamental safety principles and can result in denial of service conditions where legitimate users cannot access the application functionality. The vulnerability affects the core multimedia processing pipeline and can be triggered through various media file formats supported by the gpac framework, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users process untrusted content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software applications. This weakness occurs when a program attempts to access memory through a null pointer reference, typically due to inadequate error handling during resource allocation or parameter validation. The attack surface extends across multiple operational contexts where gpac is deployed, including media processing servers, content delivery networks, and multimedia applications that rely on the framework for file handling. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for systems processing media content, as attackers can craft malicious files that will cause the application to crash upon processing, effectively creating a denial of service condition. The impact is amplified when considering that gpac is widely used in multimedia applications, making this flaw potentially exploitable across numerous platforms and deployment scenarios.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple application crashes to encompass potential system stability issues and service disruption across multiple environments. Organizations relying on gpac for media processing workflows face significant risk as this flaw can be exploited to cause unauthorized service interruption, potentially affecting content delivery, streaming platforms, or multimedia applications. The vulnerability's exploitability increases when considering that media file processing often occurs in automated environments where untrusted content is processed without manual intervention. Security practitioners should note that this type of vulnerability often serves as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks, as initial exploitation can establish a foothold for further compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under initial access and execution techniques where software flaws are leveraged to disrupt system functionality. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to version 2.3-DEV or later, implementing input validation controls, and deploying monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the broader software ecosystem.