CVE-2004-1308 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in (1) tif_dirread.c and (2) tif_fax3.c for libtiff 3.5.7 and 3.7.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a TIFF file containing a TIFF_ASCII or TIFF_UNDEFINED directory entry with a -1 entry count, which leads to a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1308 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the libtiff library version 3.5.7 and 3.7.0, specifically affecting the tif_dirread.c and tif_fax3.c source files. This vulnerability arises from improper handling of directory entry counts within TIFF image files, creating a condition where maliciously crafted TIFF files can trigger memory corruption. The flaw manifests when the library encounters a TIFF_ASCII or TIFF_UNDEFINED directory entry with a -1 entry count, which should be impossible under normal circumstances but instead causes the software to interpret this invalid value as a large positive integer due to signed integer overflow behavior. This misinterpretation leads to heap-based buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems processing these malformed TIFF files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic integer overflow pattern that falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions. When the library processes a directory entry with a -1 count, the signed integer arithmetic results in an extremely large unsigned value that exceeds the bounds of the allocated buffer space. This overflow occurs in the heap memory management system where the library attempts to allocate memory based on the malformed entry count, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the TIFF file parsing functionality, which is commonly used across numerous applications including image viewers, document management systems, and web applications that process user-uploaded images. The attack vector is remote since any application that processes TIFF files can be exploited through malicious file uploads or downloads, making this vulnerability highly impactful in web environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1308 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as the heap-based buffer overflow can be exploited through various attack techniques including return-oriented programming and stack pivoting. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and specifically targets the memory corruption category of attacks. Systems running affected versions of libtiff are particularly vulnerable when they process untrusted TIFF files, including web applications, email servers, and content management systems that accept image uploads. The vulnerability affects not only the direct applications using libtiff but also any system that relies on TIFF file processing, creating a wide attack surface. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond the simple act of opening or processing a malicious TIFF file, making it particularly dangerous in automated environments where files are processed without user awareness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1308 should focus on immediate patching of affected libtiff versions, with the vulnerability being resolved through proper input validation and integer overflow checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures that verify TIFF file integrity before processing, including checking for negative entry counts and ensuring proper bounds checking during directory entry parsing. The fix typically involves modifying the integer overflow checks in the tif_dirread.c and tif_fax3.c files to properly validate entry counts and prevent the exploitation of the heap overflow condition. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing applications and restricting file type handling to prevent exploitation through web interfaces. Network-based mitigations include implementing content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious TIFF files, while application-level protections should include memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of why proper integer handling and input validation are critical components of secure software development, particularly in libraries that process untrusted data from external sources.