CVE-2009-2660 in CamlImages
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in CamlImages 2.2 might allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via images containing large width and height values that trigger a heap-based buffer overflow, related to (1) crafted GIF files (gifread.c) and (2) crafted JPEG files (jpegread.c), a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-2295.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2660 represents a critical security flaw in CamlImages 2.2 library that affects the processing of image files through integer overflow conditions. This vulnerability specifically targets the gifread.c and jpegread.c components of the software, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit heap-based buffer overflows through carefully crafted image files. The flaw occurs when the library processes images with exceptionally large width and height parameters that exceed the bounds of integer data types, leading to unexpected behavior in memory allocation and data handling.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and overflow checking within the image parsing functions. When processing GIF and JPEG files, the CamlImages library fails to properly validate the dimensions specified in image headers, allowing attackers to specify values that cause integer overflows during memory allocation calculations. This results in insufficient memory being allocated for buffer operations, creating conditions where subsequent data writes can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is classified as a heap-based buffer overflow because the corrupted memory locations are located within the heap memory space, making it particularly dangerous as it can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable software. Attackers can craft malicious GIF and JPEG files with deliberately inflated dimension values, which when processed by applications using the vulnerable CamlImages library, trigger the integer overflow conditions. This creates a remote code execution vector that can be exploited through web applications, email attachments, or any system that processes user-supplied image files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects widely used image processing libraries and can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including web-based exploits, file upload vulnerabilities, and social engineering campaigns.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of integer overflow issues commonly classified under CWE-190, which deals with integer overflow or wraparound conditions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the broader category of command and control operations, where attackers can leverage buffer overflow conditions to gain unauthorized execution privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data such as image file headers. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, implement input validation measures, and consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of CamlImages, implementing proper image file validation procedures, and conducting security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred prior to patch deployment.