CVE-2024-47601 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
GStreamer is a library for constructing graphs of media-handling components. A null pointer dereference vulnerability has been discovered in the gst_matroska_demux_parse_blockgroup_or_simpleblock function within matroska-demux.c. This function does not properly check the validity of the GstBuffer *sub pointer before performing dereferences. As a result, null pointer dereferences may occur. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.24.10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47601 affects GStreamer, a comprehensive multimedia framework that enables the construction of media-handling component graphs for various applications including video playback, audio processing, and streaming services. This issue resides within the matroska-demux.c source file where the gst_matroska_demux_parse_blockgroup_or_simpleblock function processes media data from matroska container format files. The flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference vulnerability that occurs when the software attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly validated for null values. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the GstBuffer *sub pointer is not adequately checked for validity before subsequent dereference operations are performed, creating a potential crash condition that could be exploited by malicious actors.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates at the software level within the media processing pipeline of GStreamer's matroska demuxer component. The function in question processes block group or simple block data structures within matroska container files, which are commonly used for storing video and audio content. When processing malformed or specially crafted matroska files, the code path fails to validate whether the sub pointer contains a valid memory reference before attempting to dereference it. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions that can lead to application crashes or potential information disclosure. The vulnerability represents a fundamental error in defensive programming practices where proper input validation and error checking mechanisms are absent or insufficient.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable more serious security consequences within media processing environments. When a null pointer dereference occurs in a media processing library like GStreamer, it can cause the entire application to terminate unexpectedly, leading to denial of service conditions that affect users accessing media content through affected applications. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments or applications that process untrusted media files from external sources, as it could be exploited to cause service disruption. The vulnerability affects any software that utilizes GStreamer's matroska demuxer component, including media players, streaming servers, content management systems, and multimedia applications that handle matroska format files. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities in multimedia frameworks can be particularly dangerous when combined with other exploits, as they may provide attackers with opportunities to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code through memory corruption techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-47601 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of GStreamer, specifically version 1.24.10, which contains the necessary code modifications to properly validate the GstBuffer *sub pointer before dereferencing operations. System administrators and software maintainers should prioritize immediate deployment of this update across all affected systems that utilize GStreamer libraries for media processing. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation for media files, particularly when processing untrusted content from external sources, and deploying network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable applications. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and monitoring for unusual application termination patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust defensive programming practices and proper error handling within multimedia processing libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers legitimate user privileges to perform reconnaissance and exploit system weaknesses. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments of multimedia processing components and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in media handling frameworks that could be leveraged in combination attacks.