CVE-2006-4168 in libexif
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the exif_data_load_data_entry function in libexif/exif-data.c in Libexif before 0.6.16 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or execute arbitrary code via an image with many EXIF components, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4168 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Libexif library version 0.6.15 and earlier. This issue resides in the exif_data_load_data_entry function located in libexif/exif-data.c, where improper handling of EXIF metadata components leads to severe security implications. The flaw manifests when processing image files containing an excessive number of EXIF components, creating conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity.
This vulnerability operates through a heap-based buffer overflow mechanism that occurs during the parsing of EXIF data structures. When the exif_data_load_data_entry function processes malformed image files with numerous EXIF components, the integer overflow causes memory allocation calculations to wrap around, resulting in insufficient buffer sizing. The underlying technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the library's metadata parsing routines, which fail to properly handle scenarios where component counts exceed reasonable limits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities. Attackers can craft malicious image files containing excessive EXIF components to trigger the overflow condition, leading to application crashes or more severe exploitation outcomes. Systems utilizing Libexif for image processing, including web applications, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms, become vulnerable to these attacks. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on Libexif for EXIF metadata parsing without proper input sanitization, creating widespread exposure across various software ecosystems.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, covering Exploitation for Client Execution through image file manipulation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that EXIF data is commonly embedded in digital images and often processed automatically by applications without explicit user intervention. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Libexif should implement immediate mitigation strategies including library updates, input validation controls, and application-level sandboxing to prevent exploitation. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to Libexif version 0.6.16 or later, where the integer overflow handling has been corrected through proper boundary checking and input validation mechanisms.