CVE-2024-47598 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
GStreamer is a library for constructing graphs of media-handling components. An OOB-read vulnerability has been discovered in the qtdemux_merge_sample_table function within qtdemux.c. The problem is that the size of the stts buffer isn’t properly checked before reading stts_duration, allowing the program to read 4 bytes beyond the boundaries of stts->data. This vulnerability reads up to 4 bytes past the allocated bounds of the stts array. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.24.10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-47598 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the GStreamer multimedia framework, specifically affecting the qtdemux plugin responsible for parsing QuickTime media files. This issue resides in the qtdemux_merge_sample_table function within the qtdemux.c source file, where improper bounds checking leads to memory access violations that can potentially be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of the stts (sample time to sample) buffer size before accessing the stts_duration field, creating a scenario where the application reads four bytes beyond the allocated memory boundaries of the stts->data array. Such out-of-bounds memory access represents a fundamental security flaw that can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution context.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which defines out-of-bounds read conditions as a critical weakness in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. The flaw occurs during media file parsing when the qtdemux plugin processes QuickTime media containers, specifically when handling the sample table structure that maps sample numbers to their corresponding timestamps. The absence of proper bounds validation allows attackers to craft malicious media files that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition, potentially causing the application to access invalid memory locations and read sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multimedia processing applications where input validation is often complex and input data can be highly variable.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it can affect any system running affected versions of GStreamer that process QuickTime media files through the qtdemux plugin. Attackers could potentially exploit this flaw by delivering maliciously crafted media files that trigger the out-of-bounds read during parsing, leading to denial of service conditions or information leakage. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where GStreamer is used for media processing in web applications, content delivery networks, or media servers, as these systems may be exposed to untrusted input. The memory corruption resulting from this out-of-bounds read could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability, depending on the memory layout and surrounding code execution context. Additionally, the vulnerability affects systems where GStreamer is embedded in other applications, making the potential attack surface broader than initially apparent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-47598 primarily involve updating to GStreamer version 1.24.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected GStreamer versions and prioritize patching efforts accordingly. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for media files, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for media processing, and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of systems that process untrusted media content, while maintaining detailed logging of media processing activities for forensic analysis. The fix implemented in version 1.24.10 properly validates the stts buffer size before accessing the duration field, ensuring that memory access remains within allocated boundaries and preventing the out-of-bounds read condition from occurring.