CVE-2009-1720 in OpenEXR
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in OpenEXR 1.2.2 and 1.6.1 allow context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors that trigger heap-based buffer overflows, related to (1) the Imf::PreviewImage::PreviewImage function and (2) compressor constructors. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1720 represents a critical security flaw in OpenEXR versions 1.2.2 and 1.6.1 that stems from multiple integer overflow conditions within the image processing library. This issue affects the core functionality of the OpenEXR framework, which is widely used for high dynamic range image storage and processing in professional digital imaging workflows. The vulnerability manifests through heap-based buffer overflows that occur when the software processes specially crafted image files, creating potential pathways for malicious exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack vectors that demonstrate poor input validation and memory management practices. The first vector targets the Imf::PreviewImage::PreviewImage function where integer overflows occur during the calculation of memory allocation sizes for preview image data structures. The second vector involves compressor constructors where similar integer overflow conditions lead to improper heap memory allocation. Both scenarios create situations where attacker-controlled input values can cause the application to allocate insufficient memory or overflow existing buffers, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on OpenEXR for image processing workflows, particularly in media production environments where image files may be received from untrusted sources. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires specific conditions related to the input data format and processing parameters, but the potential impact remains severe given the privilege escalation possibilities. The vulnerability affects not only the stability of applications using OpenEXR but also introduces risks to broader system security when exploited through application crashes that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-190: Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is categorized under the broader category of CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, highlighting the fundamental flaw in input validation mechanisms.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across various digital imaging applications that utilize the OpenEXR library, including but not limited to compositing software, rendering engines, and image processing pipelines. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious image files that trigger the integer overflow conditions during normal processing operations. The potential for remote code execution makes this particularly concerning for web-based applications or services that process user-uploaded image content. Organizations using affected versions should consider implementing network segmentation, input validation controls, and application whitelisting measures to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, as it represents a classic case of memory corruption-based exploitation techniques that can be used to gain unauthorized code execution in target systems.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected OpenEXR versions to the latest stable releases that contain the necessary fixes for integer overflow conditions. System administrators should also implement strict input validation procedures for image file processing, particularly for applications that handle external or user-provided content. Network-based controls such as intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts by monitoring for suspicious file processing patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems and applications that rely on the affected OpenEXR versions and ensure comprehensive remediation across their entire infrastructure to prevent potential exploitation scenarios.