CVE-2010-2519 in FreeType
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the Mac_Read_POST_Resource function in base/ftobjs.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 length value in a POST fragment header in a font file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2519 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the FreeType font rendering library, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.4.0. This flaw exists in the Mac_Read_POST_Resource function located in the base/ftobjs.c source file, which handles the processing of PostScript font resources. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when parsing the length field within the POST fragment header of font files, creating a condition where maliciously crafted font data can trigger memory corruption. The affected FreeType library serves as a fundamental component in numerous operating systems and applications, including web browsers, office suites, and graphic design software, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous due to its widespread usage.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious font file is processed by an application utilizing FreeType for font rendering. During the parsing of the POST fragment header, the application reads a crafted length value that exceeds the allocated buffer size in memory, leading to heap corruption. This heap-based buffer overflow can result in unpredictable application behavior, including immediate crashes that constitute a denial of service condition. However, the vulnerability's potential for more severe exploitation exists when the attacker can control the overflow to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking in memory management operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2519 extends far beyond simple service disruption, as it affects a core system component that underpins countless applications and operating systems. When exploited, this vulnerability can compromise the stability and security of entire computing environments, particularly in scenarios where users encounter malicious font files through email attachments, web downloads, or untrusted document sources. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur in various contexts including web browsers rendering web fonts, desktop applications processing document fonts, or mobile applications handling font resources. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability may target the memory layout of specific applications to achieve code execution, potentially escalating privileges or establishing persistent access. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would align with techniques involving code injection and privilege escalation through memory corruption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected FreeType library versions to 2.4.0 or later, which includes enhanced input validation and proper buffer size checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive software inventory management to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable FreeType versions and prioritize patch deployment across their infrastructure. Additional defensive measures include implementing font file validation policies that scan and filter potentially malicious font resources before processing, employing sandboxing techniques for font rendering operations, and configuring applications to restrict font file sources to trusted repositories. Network-based defenses should include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious font file content, while endpoint protection solutions should monitor for unusual memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify vulnerable applications and libraries within their environments, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all potential attack vectors that may leverage this heap-based buffer overflow condition.