CVE-2011-0192 in Apple
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Fax4Decode in LibTIFF 3.9.4 and possibly other versions, as used in ImageIO in Apple iTunes before 10.2 on Windows and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted TIFF Internet Fax image file that has been compressed using CCITT Group 4 encoding, related to the EXPAND2D macro in libtiff/tif_fax3.h. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0192 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the LibTIFF library version 3.9.4 and potentially earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the Fax4Decode functionality specifically when processing TIFF Internet Fax images compressed using CCITT Group 4 encoding standards. The issue manifests through the EXPAND2D macro implementation located in the libtiff/tif_fax3.h source file, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted TIFF files can trigger unauthorized code execution or system instability. The vulnerability affects Apple iTunes versions prior to 10.2 on Windows platforms, though similar impacts may extend to other products utilizing the affected LibTIFF library components. This flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where insufficient input validation allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crashes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the affected software processes a specially crafted TIFF image file that employs CCITT Group 4 compression. The EXPAND2D macro within the fax3 decoding logic fails to properly validate the size of data being processed against available buffer space, creating a condition where attackers can manipulate the decompression process to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more broadly aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The attack vector requires remote exploitation through the delivery of malicious TIFF files, making it particularly dangerous for applications that automatically process or preview image files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enabling full system compromise through the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application's privileges.
The operational implications of CVE-2011-0192 are substantial for organizations and end-users relying on affected software systems. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data loss, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly broad given that LibTIFF is widely used across numerous applications and operating systems, including various versions of Apple iTunes, image processing software, and document management systems. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059 for command and script interpreter execution and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. The vulnerability's presence in widely distributed software creates a significant risk for both individual users and enterprise environments, as the attack requires minimal sophistication to deliver and can result in severe consequences including persistent backdoor access or complete system takeover.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, particularly Apple iTunes installations prior to version 10.2 on Windows platforms. Organizations should implement network-based security controls to block or scan TIFF file attachments and downloads from untrusted sources, as these represent the primary attack vectors for exploitation. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of vulnerable software components and ensure that all systems utilize updated versions of the LibTIFF library. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all instances of the affected library versions and ensure proper patch application across all affected platforms. Additional protective measures include configuring security software to monitor for suspicious file processing activities and implementing proper input validation controls within applications that handle TIFF image files. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is essential that organizations conduct thorough testing of patches to ensure compatibility and prevent unintended service disruptions while maintaining robust security postures against this and similar buffer overflow threats.