CVE-2026-46472 in GStreamer
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2026
An issue was discovered in GStreamer gst-plugins-good before 1.28.2. While parsing an MP4 file, the isomp4 plugin's qtdemux_parse_chnl function may read past the end of a global array, potentially leading to information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2026
The vulnerability identified in GStreamer gst-plugins-good prior to version 1.28.2 represents a critical memory safety flaw within the multimedia framework's MP4 parsing logic. Specifically, the defect resides in the qtdemux_parse_chnl function of the isomp4 plugin, which is responsible for demultiplexing and processing data streams from MP4 container files. During the execution of this function, an attacker can craft a maliciously constructed MP4 file that triggers an out-of-bounds read operation against a global array used by the parser. This type of memory corruption issue arises because the software fails to adequately validate the bounds of array accesses when processing specific structural elements within the media container format. The root cause is typically attributed to insufficient checks on index values or length fields extracted from the file header, allowing the application to access memory locations that lie beyond the allocated boundaries of the intended data structure.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-125, which describes Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities. In the context of GStreamer's architecture, global arrays are often used to store metadata or state information related to media tracks and channels. When qtdemux_parse_chnl processes a malformed MP4 file, it may calculate an index that exceeds the size of this array without proper validation. Consequently, the application reads memory contents adjacent to the array in heap or static memory segments. This behavior does not necessarily lead to immediate code execution but poses significant risks related to data integrity and confidentiality. The primary operational impact is information disclosure, where sensitive data residing in the neighboring memory regions can be leaked back to the attacker through the parsed output or error messages generated by the framework.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given GStreamer's widespread adoption across various operating systems and embedded devices for multimedia processing. Applications relying on GStreamer to handle user-uploaded media files, such as video conferencing tools, media players, or streaming services, become potential attack vectors if they process untrusted MP4 content without adequate sanitization. An attacker could exploit this flaw by distributing a specially crafted MP4 file via email, web download, or network stream. Upon opening the file with a vulnerable version of GStreamer-based software, the out-of-bounds read occurs during initialization or playback setup phases. While modern operating systems employ memory protection mechanisms like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP), which may mitigate direct exploitation for remote code execution, they do not prevent information leakage. The leaked data could include pointers to other objects, cryptographic keys stored in adjacent buffers, or internal application states that facilitate further attacks such as heap spraying or precise memory layout mapping.
In terms of threat modeling and adversary tactics, this vulnerability maps to the ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers File and Directory Discovery, specifically through unauthorized access to system resources for reconnaissance purposes. Although primarily an information disclosure flaw, it serves as a foundational step in more complex attack chains where attackers gather intelligence about the target environment before launching subsequent exploits. The lack of strict boundary checks reflects a common pattern in legacy multimedia parsers that prioritize performance over rigorous input validation, often resulting in subtle memory safety issues that are difficult to detect through standard functional testing alone.
To mitigate this risk, organizations and developers must ensure that all instances of GStreamer gst-plugins-good are updated to version 1.28.2 or later, where the boundary checks within qtdemux_parse_chnl have been corrected. For environments unable to update immediately due to dependency constraints, implementing input validation at the application layer is recommended. This includes sanitizing MP4 files before they reach the GStreamer pipeline and restricting file uploads from untrusted sources. Additionally, enabling core dumps in development and staging environments can aid in detecting such memory errors during testing phases using tools like Valgrind or AddressSanitizer. Regular security audits focusing on media parsing libraries are essential to identify similar out-of-bounds access patterns across other plugins within the GStreamer ecosystem, ensuring robust protection against both information disclosure and potential escalation vectors.