CVE-2011-3464 in libpng
Summary
by MITRE
Off-by-one error in the png_formatted_warning function in pngerror.c in libpng 1.5.4 through 1.5.7 might allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, which trigger a stack-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3464 represents a critical security flaw within the libpng library ecosystem, specifically affecting versions 1.5.4 through 1.5.7. This issue stems from an off-by-one error in the png_formatted_warning function located within the pngerror.c source file, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to compromise system integrity. The flaw manifests as a stack-based buffer overflow, which fundamentally undermines the memory management practices of applications relying on this library for image processing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-125, describing out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The off-by-one error occurs when the function fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory allocations, allowing attackers to manipulate input data in such a way that it exceeds the allocated buffer space. This particular implementation flaw affects how warning messages are formatted and displayed, creating a path for malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it can be triggered through seemingly benign image files, making it particularly dangerous for web applications and services that process user-uploaded content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. Applications utilizing vulnerable versions of libpng become susceptible to crashes that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This risk is particularly severe in server environments where image processing is a common function, such as web servers, content management systems, and image hosting platforms that process PNG files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's potential for remote exploitation means that attackers can trigger the flaw without requiring local access, making it a significant threat to networked systems and applications that rely on proper image handling capabilities.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through updating to libpng version 1.5.8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators must conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and services that utilize affected libpng versions, particularly focusing on web applications, image processing services, and any system components that handle user-uploaded content. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation mechanisms, deploying network segmentation to limit exposure, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the Initial Access and Execution domains, as attackers could use it to establish footholds and execute malicious code within target environments. Regular security audits and dependency management practices should be strengthened to prevent similar issues from arising in other third-party libraries and to maintain overall system security posture against evolving threats.