CVE-2017-5840 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2017-5840 was published on February 9, 2017, and affects the gst-plugins-good library in GStreamer versions prior to 1.10.3. The vulnerability in the qtdemux_parse_samples function can be exploited by remote attackers, leading to a denial of service attack through an out-of-bounds heap read.

Understanding CVE-2017-5840

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the GStreamer library that could potentially be leveraged by malicious actors to disrupt services.

What is CVE-2017-5840?

The vulnerability in the qtdemux_parse_samples function within the gst-plugins-good library in GStreamer versions before 1.10.3 allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack, specifically an out-of-bounds heap read, using vectors related to the current stts index.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5840

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in a denial of service attack, potentially disrupting the normal operation of systems utilizing the affected GStreamer versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5840

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, providing insights into the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The qtdemux_parse_samples function in gst/isomp4/qtdemux.c in gst-plugins-good in GStreamer before 1.10.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds heap read) via vectors involving the current stts index.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by attackers, leading to a denial of service attack through an out-of-bounds heap read, specifically involving the current stts index.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2017-5840, it is crucial to implement immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices to mitigate risks and enhance overall system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GStreamer to version 1.10.3 or later to address the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activity that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses in the system.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates provided by GStreamer to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.