📄 Description (English)
The 32-bit implementation of NGINX Open Source has a vulnerability in the ngx_http_mp4_module module, which might allow an attacker to over-read or over-write NGINX worker memory resulting in its termination, using a specially crafted MP4 file. The issue only affects 32-bit NGINX Open Source if it is built with the ngx_http_mp4_module module and the mp4 directive is used in the configuration file. Additionally, the attack is possible only if an attacker can trigger the processing of a specially crafted MP4 file with the ngx_http_mp4_module module.
Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated.
🤖 AI Executive Summary
A critical integer overflow vulnerability (CWE-190) exists in NGINX Open Source's 32-bit ngx_http_mp4_module, allowing attackers to cause worker process termination through specially crafted MP4 files. This vulnerability affects only 32-bit NGINX installations with mp4 directive enabled. With no patch currently available and no public exploits, organizations must implement immediate compensating controls and monitor for exploitation attempts.
📄 Description (Arabic)
🤖 AI Intelligence Analysis Analyzed: Apr 29, 2026 13:28
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Impact Assessment
Saudi organizations operating media streaming services, CDN infrastructure, or video delivery platforms are at highest risk. Affected sectors include: Telecom operators (STC, Mobily, Zain) using NGINX for content delivery; Banking sector (SAMA-regulated institutions) if using NGINX for web services; Government agencies (NCA oversight) hosting video content; Healthcare providers streaming medical content; Energy sector (ARAMCO) for internal media services. The impact is service disruption through worker process crashes, potentially affecting availability of critical services. Organizations running 32-bit NGINX with mp4 module enabled face immediate risk of denial of service.
🏢 Affected Saudi Sectors
Telecommunications (STC, Mobily, Zain)
Banking and Financial Services (SAMA-regulated)
Government and Public Administration (NCA oversight)
Healthcare
Energy and Utilities (ARAMCO)
Media and Broadcasting
E-commerce and Retail
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
⚖️ Saudi Risk Score (AI)
7.2
/ 10.0
🔧 Remediation Steps (English)
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
1. Audit all NGINX installations to identify 32-bit deployments with ngx_http_mp4_module enabled
2. Check configuration files for 'mp4' directive presence
3. Disable mp4 directive in nginx.conf if not essential: comment out or remove 'mp4;' from location blocks
4. Migrate to 64-bit NGINX architecture where feasible
PATCHING GUIDANCE:
1. Monitor NGINX official security advisories for patch availability
2. Subscribe to NGINX security mailing list for updates
3. Prepare upgrade plan to patched version once available
4. Test patches in non-production environment first
COMPENSATING CONTROLS:
1. Implement strict input validation for MP4 file uploads
2. Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect malformed MP4 files
3. Restrict MP4 processing to trusted sources only
4. Implement file type validation at application layer before NGINX processing
5. Monitor NGINX worker process crashes and implement alerting
6. Use process monitoring tools (systemd, supervisord) to auto-restart crashed workers
7. Implement rate limiting on MP4 file uploads
8. Segment NGINX services: isolate mp4-enabled instances from critical services
DETECTION RULES:
1. Monitor for NGINX worker process crashes: 'worker process X exited'
2. Alert on repeated MP4 file upload attempts from single source
3. Monitor for malformed MP4 headers in access logs
4. Track memory usage spikes in NGINX worker processes
5. Implement IDS signatures for crafted MP4 file patterns
🔧 خطوات المعالجة (العربية)
الإجراءات الفورية:
1. تدقيق جميع تثبيتات NGINX لتحديد النشرات 32-بت مع تفعيل ngx_http_mp4_module
2. التحقق من ملفات الإعدادات لوجود توجيه 'mp4'
3. تعطيل توجيه mp4 في nginx.conf إذا لم يكن ضرورياً: تعليق أو حذف 'mp4;' من كتل الموقع
4. الترقية إلى معمارية NGINX 64-بت حيث أمكن
إرشادات التصحيح:
1. مراقبة إشعارات أمان NGINX الرسمية لتوفر التصحيح
2. الاشتراك في قائمة بريد أمان NGINX للحصول على التحديثات
3. تحضير خطة ترقية للإصدار المصحح بمجرد توفره
4. اختبار التصحيحات في بيئة غير الإنتاج أولاً
الضوابط التعويضية:
1. تطبيق التحقق الصارم من صحة ملفات MP4 المرفوعة
2. نشر قواعد جدار الحماية (WAF) للكشف عن ملفات MP4 المشوهة
3. تقييد معالجة MP4 للمصادر الموثوقة فقط
4. تطبيق التحقق من نوع الملف على مستوى التطبيق قبل معالجة NGINX
5. مراقبة أعطال عملية عامل NGINX وتطبيق التنبيهات
6. استخدام أدوات مراقبة العمليات (systemd, supervisord) لإعادة تشغيل العمليات المتعطلة تلقائياً
7. تطبيق تحديد معدل على تحميلات ملفات MP4
8. تقسيم خدمات NGINX: عزل الحالات المفعلة mp4 عن الخدمات الحرجة
قواعد الكشف:
1. مراقبة أعطال عملية عامل NGINX: 'worker process X exited'
2. تنبيه محاولات تحميل ملفات MP4 المتكررة من مصدر واحد
3. مراقبة رؤوس ملفات MP4 المشوهة في سجلات الوصول
4. تتبع ارتفاعات استخدام الذاكرة في عمليات عامل NGINX
5. تطبيق توقيعات IDS لأنماط ملفات MP4 المصممة خصيصاً
📋 Regulatory Compliance Mapping
🟢 NCA ECC 2024
ECC 2024 A.12.6.1 - Management of technical vulnerabilities
ECC 2024 A.14.2.1 - Secure development policy
ECC 2024 A.12.2.1 - Monitoring of system use
🔵 SAMA CSF
ID.RA-1 - Asset management and vulnerability identification
PR.IP-12 - Software, firmware, and information integrity mechanisms
DE.CM-8 - Vulnerability scans are performed
🟡 ISO 27001:2022
A.12.2.1 - Monitoring of system use
A.12.6.1 - Management of technical vulnerabilities
A.14.2.1 - Secure development policy
A.12.3.1 - Event logging
🟣 PCI DSS v4.0.1
Requirement 6.2 - Security patches must be installed
Requirement 11.2 - Vulnerability scanning
🔗 References & Sources 1