CVE-2010-3311 in FreeType
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in base/ftstream.c in libXft (aka the X FreeType library) in FreeType before 2.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted Compact Font Format (CFF) font file that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow, related to an "input stream position error" issue, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-1797.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3311 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the FreeType library's X FreeType implementation, specifically in the base/ftstream.c component. This flaw affects FreeType versions prior to 2.4 and manifests through improper handling of Compact Font Format font files, creating a dangerous scenario where legitimate font processing operations can be exploited to compromise system stability and potentially execute malicious code. The vulnerability stems from an input stream position error that occurs during font file parsing, making it particularly insidious as it can be triggered by simply loading a malicious font file into an application that utilizes libXft for font rendering.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs when the library attempts to process malformed Compact Font Format data structures. When a crafted CFF font file is processed, the integer overflow corrupts memory management structures, leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes or memory corruption that could be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. This issue demonstrates a classic software security flaw where insufficient input validation and boundary checking in stream processing operations creates an exploitable condition that violates fundamental memory safety principles. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-190, which covers integer overflow and underflow conditions, and specifically manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow that can be triggered through improper input handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3311 extends across numerous applications and systems that rely on FreeType for font rendering, including graphical user interfaces, web browsers, office suites, and desktop environments. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely by delivering malicious font files through various attack vectors such as email attachments, web content, or compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter untrusted font content. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution means that successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, making it a high-priority target for threat actors seeking persistent access to affected systems. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, as the overflow could potentially enable attackers to inject malicious code into legitimate processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3311 require immediate patching of affected FreeType installations to version 2.4 or later, where the integer overflow conditions have been addressed through improved input validation and boundary checking. System administrators should implement comprehensive font file validation policies, particularly for untrusted content, and consider deploying sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent delivery of malicious font files, while regular security audits should verify that all applications utilizing libXft have been updated to secure versions. Additionally, monitoring for unusual application crashes or memory allocation patterns can serve as early warning indicators of potential exploitation attempts, and security teams should consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation across all affected systems.