CVE-2009-2295 in CamlImages
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in CamlImages 2.2 and earlier might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PNG image with large width and height values that trigger a heap-based buffer overflow in the (1) read_png_file or (2) read_png_file_as_rgb24 function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2295 represents a critical security flaw in CamlImages version 2.2 and earlier implementations. This issue stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the image processing library, specifically when handling Portable Network Graphics format files. The vulnerability affects the library's ability to safely process image dimensions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted image files.
The technical flaw manifests as integer overflow conditions occurring during the parsing of PNG image metadata, particularly when processing width and height parameters. When attackers supply image files containing excessively large dimension values, the integer overflow causes the system to allocate insufficient memory buffers for image data storage. This memory allocation issue directly translates into heap-based buffer overflow conditions within the read_png_file and read_png_file_as_rgb24 functions, which are core components responsible for image data processing in the CamlImages library.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable application. Attackers can leverage this flaw to inject and execute malicious code on systems running vulnerable software, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The context-dependent nature of the vulnerability means that exploitation requires the target application to process the crafted PNG file, making it particularly dangerous in web applications or any environment where users can upload or view images.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in software libraries. The heap-based buffer overflow represents a classic exploit vector that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature, with similar patterns appearing across various multimedia processing libraries. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper memory management in security-sensitive applications, particularly those handling user-provided data formats.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to CamlImages version 2.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow conditions. Additionally, deploying input validation measures that restrict image dimensions to reasonable bounds can provide defense-in-depth protection. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while regular security audits of third-party libraries should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software dependencies and implementing robust memory safety practices in image processing applications.