CVE-2010-0829 in dvipng
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple array index errors in set.c in dvipng 1.11 and 1.12, and teTeX, allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a malformed DVI file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0829 represents a critical security flaw affecting dvipng versions 1.11 and 1.12, as well as teTeX software distributions. This issue stems from multiple array index errors located within the set.c source file of these applications. The flaw manifests when these programs process malformed DVI (Device Independent) files, which are commonly used in LaTeX document processing and typesetting systems. The vulnerability operates at the core level of document rendering, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal document processing workflows.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking within array access operations in the set.c module. When dvipng or teTeX encounters a specially crafted DVI file containing malformed index values, the applications fail to validate array boundaries before accessing memory locations. This leads to out-of-bounds memory access conditions that can result in segmentation faults, application crashes, or more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution. The underlying cause aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in array indexing operations. These array index errors create opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory access patterns through crafted input files, potentially exploiting memory corruption vulnerabilities that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0829 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the vulnerability presents a potential path to remote code execution in certain configurations. Attackers can craft malicious DVI files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, trigger the array index errors and cause the applications to behave unpredictably. This vulnerability affects systems that rely on dvipng or teTeX for document conversion and rendering, including web applications that process user-uploaded documents, automated build systems, and document management platforms. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or web-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0829 should prioritize immediate software updates and patches from the vendor, as the vulnerability affects widely used document processing tools within the LaTeX ecosystem. System administrators should implement input validation measures to filter or reject suspicious DVI files before processing, particularly in environments where user uploads are permitted. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual application crashes or memory access patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service techniques, with potential for lateral movement if exploited successfully. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for document processing workflows and maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to address potential system compromise scenarios.