Learn about CVE-2021-21851, a high-severity vulnerability in GPAC Project Advanced Content library v1.0.1, enabling memory corruption through integer overflow. Explore impact, mitigation, and prevention.
This article provides details about CVE-2021-21851, a vulnerability in the GPAC Project Advanced Content library v1.0.1 that could lead to memory corruption through integer overflow.
Understanding CVE-2021-21851
CVE-2021-21851 is a high-severity vulnerability that exists within the MPEG-4 decoding functionality of the GPAC Project Advanced Content library v1.0.1. It can be exploited by crafting a specially designed MPEG-4 input to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow, potentially leading to memory corruption.
What is CVE-2021-21851?
CVE-2021-21851 is multiple exploitable integer overflow vulnerabilities within the GPAC Project Advanced Content library v1.0.1. An attacker can exploit this flaw by manipulating the decoder sample group description indices in the MPEG-4 input, resulting in unchecked arithmetic and memory corruption upon opening a malicious video.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21851
The impact of CVE-2021-21851 is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 8.8. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21851
CVE-2021-21851 falls under CWE-680, indicating an integer overflow leading to a buffer overflow. The vulnerability affects GPAC Project Advanced Content library versions v1.0.1 and commit a8a8d412dabcb129e695c3e7d861fcc81f608304.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability is caused by an integer overflow within the MPEG-4 decoding functionality. An attacker can exploit this by manipulating certain indices, triggering a heap-based buffer overflow and causing memory corruption.
Affected Systems and Versions
GPAC Project Advanced Content library versions 1.0.1 and the commit a8a8d412dabcb129e695c3e7d861fcc81f608304 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
By crafting a specially designed MPEG-4 input and causing an integer overflow at specific decoder sample group description indices, an attacker can induce memory corruption upon video playback.
Mitigation and Prevention
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21851, it is crucial to take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should refrain from opening untrusted MPEG-4 files or videos from unknown sources. Implementing security measures such as endpoint protection and network monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly updating the GPAC Project Advanced Content library to the latest secure version can help mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, educating users about safe browsing habits and video file handling practices is essential.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the GPAC Project to address CVE-2021-21851. Promptly applying these patches to affected systems can enhance security and protect against potential exploits.