CVE-2025-71469 in GPAC
Summary
by MITRE • 11/15/2026
GPAC before 26.02.0 contains a type confusion vulnerability in ctxload_process() that passes non-object descriptors to ODS_SetupOD() without checking the descriptor tag. Attackers can supply a crafted XMT file with a URL-bearing descriptor that crashes MP4Box or other GPAC-based applications in gf_scene_ns_connect_object(), causing denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2026
The vulnerability identified in versions of GPAC prior to 26.02.0 represents a critical type confusion flaw located within the ctxload_process function, which is responsible for parsing and processing scene description files such as XMT formats. This specific defect arises from an insufficient validation mechanism when handling object descriptors during the initialization phase of multimedia objects. Specifically, the code invokes ODS_SetupOD without first verifying that the incoming descriptor tag corresponds to a valid object type rather than a non-object or malformed descriptor. In secure software design, it is imperative to enforce strict type checking before passing data structures into functions that expect specific object states, as failure to do so can lead to undefined behavior when the underlying memory layout does not match what the receiving function anticipates.
From an operational perspective, this flaw allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition by supplying a specially crafted XMT file containing a URL-bearing descriptor with an invalid or mismatched tag. When MP4Box or other applications built upon the GPAC framework process such maliciously constructed files, the type confusion leads to memory corruption or logical errors that manifest as application crashes within gf_scene_ns_connect_object. This function is critical for connecting namespace objects in 3D scenes, and its failure disrupts the rendering pipeline entirely. The impact is primarily a denial of service against users who open untrusted media content, potentially affecting systems where GPAC-based tools are used for automated processing or public-facing services that accept user-uploaded multimedia assets.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-843, which describes access to incorrect type via reference, and falls under the broader category of improper input validation often associated with CWE-20. In terms of adversary tactics, this exploit vector corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1205.008, specifically supply chain compromise through malicious file injection, as it relies on tricking a victim into processing a crafted document. The lack of robust type checking in the parsing logic highlights a common weakness in legacy multimedia frameworks where performance optimizations sometimes bypass rigorous safety checks during high-throughput operations like scene loading.
To mitigate this risk, organizations utilizing GPAC must upgrade to version 26.02.0 or later, which includes patches that enforce strict descriptor tag validation before invoking setup functions. For environments unable to immediately patch, implementing input sanitization at the gateway level can help filter out malformed XMT files containing suspicious URL descriptors with invalid tags. Additionally, deploying sandboxing solutions for media processing services ensures that any potential crashes are contained and do not compromise the host system or adjacent processes. Regular security audits of multimedia parsing libraries should prioritize type safety checks to prevent similar class vulnerabilities in future updates.