CVE-2010-2067 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the TIFFFetchSubjectDistance function in tif_dirread.c in LibTIFF before 3.9.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a long EXIF SubjectDistance field in a TIFF file.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2067 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the LibTIFF library version 3.9.3 and earlier. This issue resides in the TIFFFetchSubjectDistance function located in the tif_dirread.c source file, which processes TIFF image files containing EXIF metadata. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of the EXIF SubjectDistance field, a metadata element that stores information about the distance between the camera and the subject in the captured image. When a maliciously crafted TIFF file contains an excessively long SubjectDistance field, the application fails to properly validate the input length before copying data to a fixed-size stack buffer, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern that aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory. The flaw occurs during the parsing of TIFF directory entries, specifically when processing the EXIF SubjectDistance tag, which is typically stored as a rational number with numerator and denominator values. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability through memory corruption attacks. The stack overflow can result in either a controlled application crash leading to denial of service or, in more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, arbitrary code execution through careful manipulation of the overflowed memory regions to redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2067 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution in vulnerable applications that process TIFF files. Any software application that utilizes LibTIFF versions prior to 3.9.4 for image processing, including web applications, image viewers, document management systems, and digital asset management platforms, becomes vulnerable to this attack vector. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can deliver malicious TIFF files through various attack vectors such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms without requiring local system access. The vulnerability affects not only desktop applications but also server-side applications that process uploaded image files, creating potential for widespread impact across web applications and cloud services that handle user-uploaded TIFF content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2067 require immediate patching of all affected LibTIFF installations to version 3.9.4 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation for the SubjectDistance field. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable LibTIFF versions and prioritize patch deployment. Additional defensive measures include implementing file type validation, content scanning for suspicious TIFF files, and deploying application sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious TIFF files before they reach vulnerable applications, while also providing monitoring capabilities to identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust input validation practices to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions in image processing applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.