CVE-2019-20171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

GPAC versions 0.8.0 and 0.9.0-development-20191109 have memory leaks in specific functions, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities.

Understanding CVE-2019-20171

Memory leaks in GPAC versions 0.8.0 and 0.9.0-development-20191109 can pose security risks.

What is CVE-2019-20171?

This CVE identifies memory leaks in the functions metx_New in isomedia/box_code_base.c and abst_Read in isomedia/box_code_adobe.c within GPAC versions 0.8.0 and 0.9.0-development-20191109.

The Impact of CVE-2019-20171

The memory leaks could potentially be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-20171

Memory leaks in specific functions within GPAC versions 0.8.0 and 0.9.0-development-20191109 can lead to security vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Description

The memory leaks are present in the functions metx_New in isomedia/box_code_base.c and abst_Read in isomedia/box_code_adobe.c.

Affected Systems and Versions

GPAC version 0.8.0
GPAC version 0.9.0-development-20191109

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could potentially exploit these memory leaks to launch denial of service attacks or execute arbitrary code on systems running the affected GPAC versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate action and implementing long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2019-20171.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GPAC to a patched version that addresses the memory leaks.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running GPAC are updated to versions that have patched the memory leaks to prevent potential exploitation.