CVE-2009-3994 in DevIL
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the GetUID function in src-IL/src/il_dicom.c in DevIL 1.7.8 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted DICOM file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3994 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the DevIL image library version 1.7.8. This issue specifically affects the GetUID function located in the src-IL/src/il_dicom.c source file, which processes DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) formatted files. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation when handling malformed DICOM data structures, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where the buffer overflow occurs in stack memory allocation, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation through carefully crafted input sequences.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious DICOM file containing oversized or malformed UID (Unique Identifier) fields that exceed the allocated buffer space within the GetUID function. When the DevIL library processes this malformed file, the function fails to properly bounds-check the incoming data, allowing the overflow to occur and potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack variables. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Execution, where attackers leverage software vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The flaw's impact extends beyond simple exploitation as it can also trigger denial of service conditions, causing application crashes that disrupt legitimate user operations and potentially leading to system-wide availability issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-3994 is significant for organizations relying on DevIL 1.7.8 for image processing tasks, particularly in medical imaging environments where DICOM files are standard. Systems that process untrusted DICOM inputs, such as medical imaging workstations, PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), or any application integrating DevIL for file handling, become vulnerable to both remote code execution and denial of service attacks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Attackers could potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application, leading to complete system compromise, or cause persistent service disruptions that impact critical medical workflows.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of DevIL to version 1.7.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures when processing DICOM files, including size limits and format verification before passing data to DevIL libraries. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit exposure by restricting access to systems that process DICOM data. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques can provide defense-in-depth measures to prevent exploitation even if other controls fail. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated DevIL versions, while monitoring for suspicious file processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper buffer management and input validation practices, aligning with security standards that emphasize secure coding practices to prevent memory corruption vulnerabilities.