CVE-2004-1183 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the tiffdump utility for libtiff 3.7.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted TIFF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1183 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the tiffdump utility of libtiff version 3.7.1 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the processing of TIFF image files and demonstrates a classic software security weakness that can be exploited remotely to compromise system integrity. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of integer arithmetic operations within the utility's parsing logic, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's behavior through carefully crafted TIFF file structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the tiffdump utility processes malformed TIFF files containing oversized or improperly formatted data structures. During the parsing operation, integer overflow conditions arise when the utility attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes or buffer dimensions based on corrupted file metadata. This overflow can cause the application to allocate insufficient memory or attempt to access invalid memory addresses, leading to application crashes or unpredictable behavior. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through network-based file processing, allowing remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability without requiring local system access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems that process TIFF files from untrusted sources, including web servers, image processing services, and document management systems. The potential for arbitrary code execution makes this a particularly severe threat, as attackers could leverage the overflow to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The denial of service component ensures that legitimate users cannot access services that depend on TIFF file processing, while the code execution capability opens pathways for data theft, system compromise, and further lateral movement within network environments. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution and CWE-190 for Integer Overflow or Wraparound, highlighting its multi-faceted threat profile.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1183 should prioritize immediate patching of affected libtiff installations to versions 3.7.2 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for the integer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures for all TIFF file processing operations, including file format verification and size limitation checks before any parsing occurs. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems that process TIFF files from untrusted sources. Additionally, implementing automated monitoring and alerting for application crashes or unusual memory allocation patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security updates and proper code review practices, particularly for libraries handling binary file formats that are commonly processed in networked environments. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for TIFF processing to contain potential exploits and prevent them from affecting the broader system infrastructure.