CVE-2024-47607 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
GStreamer is a library for constructing graphs of media-handling components. stack-buffer overflow has been detected in the gst_opus_dec_parse_header function within `gstopusdec.c'. The pos array is a stack-allocated buffer of size 64. If n_channels exceeds 64, the for loop will write beyond the boundaries of the pos array. The value written will always be GST_AUDIO_CHANNEL_POSITION_NONE. This bug allows to overwrite the EIP address allocated in the stack. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.24.10.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47607 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the GStreamer multimedia framework, specifically affecting the gst_opus_dec_parse_header function in the gstopusdec.c source file. This flaw exists within a stack-allocated buffer named pos that has a fixed size of 64 elements, designed to handle audio channel position data during Opus audio decoding operations. The vulnerability manifests when the number of audio channels in a decoded stream exceeds the allocated buffer capacity, creating a condition where the for loop continues to write data beyond the buffer boundaries. The affected buffer size limitation directly correlates to the maximum number of audio channels that can be processed without triggering memory corruption, establishing a clear boundary condition that attackers can exploit through crafted media files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern where the program fails to validate input parameters against buffer dimensions before performing array writes. The pos array serves as a channel position mapping structure that stores audio channel configuration data, with each element representing a specific channel's position within the audio spatial layout. When n_channels parameter exceeds 64, the loop continues writing values beyond the allocated 64-element array, ultimately overwriting adjacent stack memory including the instruction pointer (EIP) location. This memory corruption directly enables arbitrary code execution control flow manipulation, as the overwritten EIP value can be manipulated by an attacker to redirect program execution to malicious code locations within the process memory space. The vulnerability specifically affects the Opus audio decoder component within GStreamer's multimedia processing pipeline, which is commonly used in various applications including web browsers, media players, and streaming services that process Opus-encoded audio content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to represent a full remote code execution vector that could be exploited by malicious actors. Attackers could craft specially formatted Opus audio files that trigger the buffer overflow condition when processed by vulnerable GStreamer implementations, potentially enabling privilege escalation or system compromise depending on the execution context. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize GStreamer for media processing, including web browsers that rely on GStreamer for audio decoding, multimedia applications, and streaming platforms that handle Opus audio streams. The exploitability is enhanced by the fact that the overflow directly targets the EIP register, eliminating the need for complex memory layout exploitation techniques. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety vulnerabilities that have historically been primary attack vectors in software exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed media processing libraries creates significant risk across multiple attack surfaces and user environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch application to version 1.24.10 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer boundary checks within the gst_opus_dec_parse_header function. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring for media file processing activities, particularly those involving Opus audio streams, to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network-based defenses should include media file filtering and validation at ingress points, preventing potentially malicious audio content from reaching vulnerable systems. Application-level mitigations should enforce strict input parameter validation and implement stack canaries or other memory protection mechanisms where possible. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, as it represents a technique for executing malicious code through client-side media processing applications. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing or containerization strategies for media processing components to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of GStreamer library versions to ensure all systems remain protected against this and similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that could enable remote code execution through multimedia processing pipelines.