CVE-2010-1513 in Ziproxy
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in src/image.c in Ziproxy before 3.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a large JPG image, related to the jpg2bitmap function or (2) a large PNG image, related to the png2bitmap function, leading to heap-based buffer overflows.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1513 represents a critical security flaw in Ziproxy version 3.0.0 and earlier, where multiple integer overflows occur in the image processing functions within the src/image.c file. This vulnerability specifically affects the jpg2bitmap and png2bitmap functions that handle image format conversions, creating conditions where remote attackers can manipulate image data to trigger heap-based buffer overflows. The integer overflows occur when processing large JPEG and PNG image files, where the application fails to properly validate or constrain integer values during image dimension calculations, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and integer overflow conditions in the image parsing logic. When Ziproxy processes large image files, the jpg2bitmap and png2bitmap functions calculate memory requirements based on image dimensions without proper overflow checking. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted images with maliciously large dimension values that, when processed, cause integer overflows resulting in heap memory corruption. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through application vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates poor memory management practices in image processing libraries where buffer sizes are calculated using potentially malicious input without proper bounds checking.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1513 is severe as it enables remote code execution without authentication, allowing attackers to gain complete control over affected systems running vulnerable versions of Ziproxy. This makes it particularly dangerous for web proxies and content filtering systems that rely on Ziproxy for image processing and transformation. The vulnerability affects systems that process user-uploaded images or fetch images from external sources, creating attack vectors through web applications that utilize Ziproxy for image handling. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where Ziproxy serves as a gateway for image processing in web applications, content management systems, or proxy servers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1513 require immediate patching of Ziproxy to version 3.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the integer overflow conditions in image processing functions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable Ziproxy installations, while monitoring for suspicious image processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict image validation policies that limit file sizes and dimensions, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious image uploads, and conducting regular security assessments of image processing components. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary image processing features when possible and implementing proper input sanitization for all image data before processing. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper integer overflow protection in memory management and demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive input validation in image processing libraries to prevent similar issues in other applications.