CVE-2025-55650: Heap Use-After-Free in GPAC MP4Box v2.4 DoS Vulnerability

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the gf_node_get_tag function within scenegraph/base_scenegraph.c of GPAC MP4Box v2.4. It is classified as a heap use-after-free (CWE-416), where freed memory is dereferenced after deallocation. When a crafted MP4 file is supplied to the application, the function's improper memory management allows an attacker to trigger this condition, causing undefined behavior—most reliably manifesting as a denial of service through application crash or hang.

Business impact

This vulnerability enables attackers to disrupt workflows reliant on GPAC MP4Box for media processing, transcoding, or analysis. Any automated pipeline or service using MP4Box could be halted by a malicious file upload or distribution. For organizations processing untrusted video content, this poses a risk of operational disruption. The impact is limited to availability; there is no data theft or integrity compromise. Organizations should evaluate whether MP4Box is internet-facing or processes user-supplied content.

Affected systems

GPAC MP4Box v2.4 is the confirmed affected version. Organizations should verify whether they are running this specific version or later releases. GPAC is commonly used in media production pipelines, streaming infrastructure, and video processing automation. The vulnerability requires local file access or the ability to supply a crafted MP4 file to the application.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires user interaction—the attacker must convince or trick a user into opening a malicious MP4 file with MP4Box. No remote code execution or privilege escalation is possible; the impact is limited to denial of service. The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker needs file delivery capability (e.g., email, web hosting, or removable media). The CVSS score of 5.5 (Medium) reflects the low barrier to entry but limited impact scope.

Remediation

Apply an available security patch released by the GPAC project for version 2.4 or later. Users unable to patch immediately should restrict file processing to trusted sources and disable or isolate MP4Box from internet-facing interfaces. Implement file validation and sandboxing if MP4Box processes untrusted content. Organizations should monitor GPAC's security advisories for patch availability and timeline.

Patch guidance

Check the GPAC project's official repository and security advisories for patch releases addressing CVE-2025-55650. Verify patch version numbers against the vendor's advisory before deployment. Test patches in a non-production environment to ensure compatibility with downstream processes. If a patch is not yet available, evaluate whether you can defer processing of untrusted MP4 files or migrate to a patched release schedule once available.

Detection guidance

Monitor for unexpected crashes or unresponsiveness in MP4Box processes, particularly when processing files from untrusted sources. Review application logs for segmentation faults or memory access errors. In automated pipelines, implement file type and header validation before passing files to MP4Box. Consider deploying sandboxing or containerization to isolate the application and limit blast radius. Intrusion detection systems may flag patterns of malformed MP4 files being delivered to systems running vulnerable versions.

Why prioritize this

Although the CVSS score is Medium (5.5), prioritization depends on your attack surface. If MP4Box processes untrusted or user-supplied content, remediation should be elevated in priority. If MP4Box is used only internally on trusted files or is isolated from user input, risk is lower. Organizations with internet-facing media processing pipelines should treat this as higher priority. The lack of KEV (Known Exploited Vulnerability) status suggests active exploitation has not been widespread, but this should not delay patching for at-risk environments.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.5 reflects: local attack vector (requires file delivery), low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and high availability impact (DoS). The score does not account for business context—a company processing untrusted media may face higher risk than one using MP4Box only internally. Use this score as a baseline; adjust prioritization based on your specific deployment and threat model.

Frequently asked questions