CVE-2022-45202 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the GPAC multimedia framework, specifically in the function dimC_box_read located in the isomedia/box_code_3gpp.c source file. The vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow (CWE-787), which occurs when the function improperly handles input data, leading to memory corruption on the stack. This type of vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code, cause a denial of service (application crash), or potentially escalate privileges depending on the context in which the vulnerable code is executed. The vulnerability requires local access (AV:L) and no privileges (PR:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), indicating that an attacker must trick a user into processing a crafted media file or stream that triggers the overflow. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.8 reflects a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as exploitation can lead to full compromise of the affected application. GPAC is an open-source multimedia framework used for packaging, streaming, and playback of media content, including MP4 and 3GPP formats, and is often embedded in media players, streaming servers, and multimedia processing tools. The lack of vendor and product specifics suggests the vulnerability affects the GPAC codebase itself rather than a particular commercial product. No known exploits in the wild have been reported to date, but the presence of a stack overflow in a widely used multimedia library poses a significant risk, especially in environments where untrusted media files are processed. The vulnerability was published on November 29, 2022, and is tracked under CWE-787, emphasizing the classic nature of the buffer overflow issue in C-based code handling complex media formats.

European organizations that utilize GPAC-based multimedia frameworks or products incorporating GPAC components are at risk of exploitation through crafted media files. This includes media streaming services, content delivery networks, broadcasting companies, and any enterprise using multimedia processing tools for video packaging or playback. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution or denial of service, potentially disrupting media services or enabling attackers to pivot within networks. Confidentiality could be compromised if attackers gain code execution capabilities, allowing data exfiltration or lateral movement. Integrity and availability impacts are also significant, as corrupted media processing could halt services or corrupt media content. Given the requirement for user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious media files. The threat is particularly relevant for sectors with high media consumption or production, such as media companies, telecommunications, and online streaming platforms. Additionally, embedded systems or IoT devices using GPAC for media handling could be vulnerable, raising concerns for critical infrastructure relying on multimedia capabilities. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as public disclosure may lead to rapid exploit development.

1. Update to the latest patched version of GPAC once available, or apply any vendor-supplied patches addressing this specific stack overflow vulnerability. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all media files before processing, including using sandboxed environments to handle untrusted media content. 3. Employ application whitelisting and behavior monitoring to detect anomalous execution patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Restrict local access to systems running GPAC-based applications to trusted users only, minimizing the attack surface since the vulnerability requires local access and user interaction. 5. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted media files, especially from unknown sources, to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering. 6. For organizations embedding GPAC in custom products, conduct thorough code audits and fuzz testing around the dimC_box_read function and related media parsing routines. 7. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for exploitation indicators such as unusual process behavior or memory corruption events. 8. Network segmentation can limit the impact of a compromised system, preventing lateral movement within the enterprise.