CVE-2023-4720 - Floating Point Comparison with Incorrect Operator in GitHub Repository gpac/gpac Prior to 2.3-DEV: Vulnerability, Exploit, and Remediation Details

In today's post, we are going to discuss a security vulnerability that has been identified in the GitHub repository of the gpac project, specifically in versions prior to 2.3-DEV. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-4720, consists of a floating point comparison with an incorrect operator. In this post, we will dive deep into the vulnerability, provide code snippets, and share the details of the flaw and the potential exploits. We will also discuss how to remediate this issue and refer you to the original sources for more information.

Vulnerability Details (CVE-2023-4720)

The vulnerability consists of a floating point comparison with an incorrect operator in the gpac repository. This specific bug occurs in the code responsible for handling certain media streams, which can cause unexpected behavior and potentially allow a malicious actor to exploit the software. The vulnerability stems from a code snippet that looks like this:

if (val1 == val2) {
  // do something
}

In this case, the issue is that val1 and val2, which are floating point numbers, are being compared using the == operator. Comparing floating point numbers with this operator can lead to problems as floating point arithmetic can produce small inaccuracies. Instead, an appropriate comparison for floating point numbers should look like this:

if (fabs(val1 - val2) < epsilon) {
  // do something
}

In this revised comparison, the difference between val1 and val2 is compared to a small epsilon value (e.g., .00001), which accounts for the possibility of minor inaccuracies in floating point arithmetic.

Exploit Details

As this vulnerability pertains to the comparison of floating point numbers, the exploits associated with it may vary. However, some possible attack vectors could include manipulating media input with crafted floating point numbers to trigger erroneous behavior or relying on unexpected reactions due to incorrect comparisons.

It is essential to understand that this vulnerability has been known and addressed in version 2.3-DEV, which implies that the software has been patched, and those who are using the latest version are safe.

However, any codebase that still uses older versions of the gpac repository is at risk. Therefore, users should update their repository to version 2.3-DEV or newer.

Original References

For technical reference, please visit the official publication of this vulnerability on the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) at the following link:

- CVE-2023-4720

Moreover, credible information and discussion on this issue can be found in the original gpac GitHub repository, specifically in the Issues section.

Remediation

In order to address the CVE-2023-4720 vulnerability, it is crucial to use the correct comparison operator for floating point numbers, as demonstrated in the revised comparison code snippet earlier in this post. Additionally, users are encouraged to update their gpac repositories to version 2.3-DEV or the latest version available.

In conclusion, the CVE-2023-4720 vulnerability exposes software to potential exploits due to a floating point comparison with an incorrect operator. To keep your code secure and avoid any issues, ensure that you are using the right operator for floating point numbers, as such comparisons are crucial in maintaining both the accuracy and safety of your code.

Remember to update your gpac repository to the patched version without delay, and always maintain a keen eye on the latest security patches and updates for the software you rely on.

Timeline

Published on: 09/01/2023 16:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 09/06/2023 00:14:00 UTC