CVE-2026-3084 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2026
GStreamer H.266 Codec Parser Integer Underflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. Interaction with this library is required to exploit this vulnerability but attack vectors may vary depending on the implementation.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of picture partitions. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in an integer underflow before writing to memory. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-28910.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-3084 represents a critical security flaw within the GStreamer multimedia framework's H.266 codec parser implementation. This issue stems from improper input validation during the processing of picture partitions within video streams, creating a condition where maliciously crafted data can trigger an integer underflow. The vulnerability specifically affects systems that utilize GStreamer's H.266 codec parsing capabilities, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of this multimedia framework across various operating systems and applications. The flaw manifests when the parser fails to adequately validate user-supplied data, leading to arithmetic overflow conditions that can result in memory corruption and potential code execution. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-191 integer underflow category, which is classified as a fundamental arithmetic error that can lead to severe security implications including arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires interaction with the vulnerable GStreamer library, meaning that exploitation occurs when applications using this framework process maliciously formatted H.266 video content. The integer underflow condition creates a scenario where the parser attempts to write to memory locations that are either invalid or controlled by the attacker, potentially allowing for privilege escalation and complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to achieve persistent access within affected systems. When an attacker successfully exploits this integer underflow, they can execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process, which typically runs with the privileges of the user or service that initiated the multimedia processing. This means that if an application using GStreamer processes untrusted video content from a web browser, email client, or media player, the attacker could gain control of that application's execution environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous as attackers can craft malicious video streams and deliver them through various channels including web applications, email attachments, or file sharing platforms. The memory corruption resulting from the integer underflow can be manipulated to overwrite critical program structures, function pointers, or return addresses, enabling sophisticated attack techniques such as return-oriented programming or stack smashing. The fact that this vulnerability was tracked as ZDI-CAN-28910 indicates it was identified through coordinated vulnerability disclosure processes, highlighting the severity and potential for widespread impact across systems that depend on GStreamer for multimedia processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-3084 should focus on immediate patching of affected GStreamer installations, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators should prioritize updating their GStreamer libraries to versions that include proper input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms. The implementation of network-based security controls such as deep packet inspection and content filtering can provide additional layers of protection, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted multimedia content. Application developers should also consider implementing input sanitization routines and bounds checking when integrating GStreamer components, especially in applications that process user-provided media files. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement opportunities if exploited in high-privilege processes. Organizations should implement monitoring for unusual process behavior and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the integer underflow condition can create detectable anomalies in system logs and memory usage patterns. The vulnerability's nature suggests that defense-in-depth strategies should include regular security assessments of multimedia processing components, particularly in applications that handle streaming media or user-generated content. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation by preventing lateral movement within affected networks. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the fix properly addresses the integer underflow condition without introducing regressions in multimedia processing functionality.