CVE-2010-2500 in FreeType
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the gray_render_span function in smooth/ftgrays.c in FreeType before 2.4.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted font file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2500 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the FreeType font rendering library, specifically within the gray_render_span function located in smooth/ftgrays.c. This issue affects FreeType versions prior to 2.4.0 and demonstrates how seemingly minor programming errors in graphics rendering components can lead to severe security implications. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and overflow handling when processing font data, particularly in the context of anti-aliased font rendering operations that are fundamental to modern graphical user interfaces and document processing systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted font file is processed by an application utilizing FreeType for font rendering. The integer overflow in the gray_render_span function manifests when the application attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes or iteration counts based on malformed font data. This flaw can result in buffer overflows, memory corruption, or unexpected program termination, creating opportunities for both denial of service attacks and potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which is a well-documented class of vulnerabilities that occurs when arithmetic operations produce results that exceed the maximum value representable by the data type.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely heavily on font rendering capabilities, including web browsers, document viewers, graphic design applications, and server-side applications that process user-uploaded documents. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted font files might be processed. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious font files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web content, or file sharing platforms, leading to system compromise or service disruption across affected applications.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2010-2500 involves immediate upgrading to FreeType version 2.4.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow conditions in the gray_render_span function. Organizations should also implement proactive measures such as font file validation, sandboxing of font processing operations, and regular security assessments of third-party libraries. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network-based controls to restrict font file processing in sensitive environments and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and following security best practices as outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the software supply chain attack tactics, where vulnerabilities in foundational components can enable broader compromise of affected systems.