CVE-2007-6697 in Sdl Image
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the LWZReadByte function in IMG_gif.c in SDL_image before 1.2.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted GIF file, a similar issue to CVE-2006-4484. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6697 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the SDL_image library version 1.2.6 and earlier, specifically within the LWZReadByte function located in IMG_gif.c. This issue arises from improper input validation when processing GIF image files, creating a condition where maliciously crafted GIF files can trigger unexpected behavior in applications that utilize SDL_image for image handling. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited remotely through web-based applications or any system that processes user-supplied GIF content without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs during the decompression process of GIF files using the LZW (Lempel-Ziv-Welch) algorithm, which is fundamental to GIF image format handling. When the LWZReadByte function processes compressed data streams, it fails to properly validate the size of incoming data against allocated buffer boundaries, allowing attackers to write beyond the intended memory allocation. This flaw falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and specifically relates to improper validation of buffer boundaries during data processing operations. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution risk due to the potential for memory corruption that could be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the buffer overflow could potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. When a vulnerable application processes a maliciously crafted GIF file, the overflow can corrupt adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to application crashes or more severe exploitation outcomes. The similarity to CVE-2006-4484 indicates a pattern of vulnerabilities within the SDL_image library's GIF handling capabilities, suggesting that the underlying architectural issues in the LZW decompression implementation have persisted across multiple versions. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where applications automatically process user-uploaded content without proper input validation.
Systems utilizing SDL_image version 1.2.6 or earlier are at risk when processing GIF files from untrusted sources, including web applications, media players, and any software that incorporates SDL_image for image format support. The vulnerability affects a broad range of applications including games, multimedia software, and web browsers that rely on SDL_image for image handling. Attackers can exploit this by creating specially crafted GIF files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, trigger the buffer overflow condition. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be accomplished through simple web-based attacks where users are诱导 to view malicious GIF content, making it particularly dangerous in web environments. Organizations should prioritize updating to SDL_image version 1.2.7 or later, which includes patches addressing this specific buffer overflow vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected SDL_image installations and implementation of input validation controls for GIF file processing. Security measures should focus on validating file sizes and content before processing, implementing proper bounds checking in image parsing functions, and employing sandboxing techniques for image handling operations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability through malformed GIF content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Execution, and T1059, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the potential for both denial of service and remote code execution attacks. Regular security assessments should include verification of SDL_image versions and implementation of automated patch management processes to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in related software components.