CVE-2024-22749 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2024
GPAC v2.3 was detected to contain a buffer overflow via the function gf_isom_new_generic_sample_description function in the isomedia/isom_write.c:4577
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-22749 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the GPAC multimedia framework version 2.3. This issue manifests specifically within the gf_isom_new_generic_sample_description function located in the isomedia/isom_write.c file at line 4577. The GPAC project serves as a comprehensive multimedia framework implementing various codecs and container formats including mp4 and isomedia standards, making it a widely used component in multimedia processing applications. The buffer overflow vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking when processing media sample descriptions, creating an exploitable condition that could allow attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of input data within the media file parsing routine. When the gf_isom_new_generic_sample_description function processes incoming sample description data, it fails to adequately validate the size or content of the input buffer before copying or allocating memory. This weakness directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The flaw allows for potential memory corruption through controlled input data that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries, enabling attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. The specific location at line 4577 in isomedia/isom_write.c indicates this occurs during the writing or encoding phase of media file processing, suggesting the vulnerability could be triggered when creating or modifying isomedia format files.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-22749 extends significantly across various attack vectors and deployment scenarios. Given that GPAC is utilized in multimedia applications, web browsers, media players, and content creation tools, exploitation could affect a broad range of systems and services. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through maliciously crafted media files that trigger the buffer overflow during file processing, potentially leading to remote code execution, denial of service, or information disclosure. The vulnerability's presence in the isomedia write functionality means that any application relying on GPAC for media file generation or modification could be compromised. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where an attacker might use the overflow to execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application, and T1499.004 for network denial of service through resource exhaustion.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-22749 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GPAC installations to version 2.3 or later where the buffer overflow has been resolved. Organizations should implement input validation measures and restrict file processing from untrusted sources where possible. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can process potentially malicious media files. Security monitoring should focus on anomalous file processing activities and memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices including bounds checking, memory management validation, and proper input sanitization as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST SP 800-163 guidelines for secure software development. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems using GPAC libraries.