CVE-2010-1516 in SWFTools
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in SWFTools 0.9.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted PNG file, related to the getPNG function in lib/png.c; or (2) a crafted JPEG file, related to the jpeg_load function in lib/jpeg.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1516 represents a critical security flaw within SWFTools version 0.9.1 that exposes systems to remote code execution through improper input validation. This issue stems from integer overflow conditions that occur when processing multimedia files, specifically PNG and JPEG image formats, making it particularly dangerous in environments where file processing is automated or user-supplied content is accepted. The vulnerability affects the core libraries responsible for image handling within the SWFTools suite, which is widely used for converting various media formats into flash-compatible content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that leverage integer overflow conditions in the software's image processing modules. The first vector involves a crafted PNG file that triggers an integer overflow within the getPNG function located in lib/png.c, while the second vector utilizes a specially constructed JPEG file to exploit the jpeg_load function in lib/jpeg.c. These integer overflows occur when the software attempts to allocate memory based on malformed image dimensions or metadata values that exceed the maximum representable integer values, causing the application to behave unpredictably and potentially execute arbitrary code. The underlying cause aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and code execution.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations that utilize SWFTools for automated content processing or file conversion services. Attackers can craft malicious image files that, when processed by vulnerable SWFTools installations, will trigger the integer overflow conditions and allow remote code execution on the target system. This presents a serious threat in web applications, content management systems, or any environment where user-uploaded images are automatically processed and converted. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible services. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, privilege escalation, and persistent access to affected environments.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of SWFTools, implementing strict file validation and sanitization procedures, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer handling and bounds checking in multimedia processing libraries, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation through input validation flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations and establishing comprehensive monitoring for unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security updates and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar vulnerabilities in multimedia processing applications.