CVE-2018-14403 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2018-14403 is a vulnerability in the MP4v2 library that can lead to type confusion and out-of-bounds memory access due to improper handling of atom names.

Understanding CVE-2018-14403

This CVE identifies a specific issue within the MP4v2 library that can have serious consequences if exploited.

What is CVE-2018-14403?

The function MP4NameFirstMatches in the mp4util.cpp file of MP4v2 2.0.0 does not handle substrings of atom names correctly, leading to the use of an incorrect data type for associated atoms. This can result in type confusion and subsequent out-of-bounds memory access.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14403

The vulnerability can be exploited to trigger type confusion and potentially execute arbitrary code, leading to a denial of service or the execution of malicious commands.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14403

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the improper handling of atom names in the MP4v2 library, specifically in the MP4NameFirstMatches function within the mp4util.cpp file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: MP4v2 2.0.0 (affected)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious MP4 file that triggers the improper handling of atom names, leading to type confusion and potential memory corruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-14403 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of MP4v2 (v2.1.0) that addresses this vulnerability.
Avoid opening MP4 files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement code reviews and security testing to catch similar issues in the development phase.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.