CVE-2011-4516 in Fusion Middleware
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the jpc_cox_getcompparms function in libjasper/jpc/jpc_cs.c in JasPer 1.900.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted numrlvls value in a coding style default (COD) marker segment in a JPEG2000 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4516 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the JasPer library version 1.900.1, specifically within the jpc_cox_getcompparms function located in libjasper/jpc/jpc_cs.c. This flaw exists in the processing of JPEG2000 files and particularly affects the handling of coding style default (COD) marker segments. The vulnerability arises when a maliciously crafted numrlvls value is included in the COD marker segment of a JPEG2000 file, creating a condition where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption to occur during the decoding process. The flaw falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a critical vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration taxonomy.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a JPEG2000 file containing a malformed COD marker segment is processed by software utilizing the JasPer library. The jpc_cox_getcompparms function fails to properly validate the numrlvls parameter, which determines the number of resolution levels in the coding style. When an attacker provides an excessive or malformed value for numrlvls, the function attempts to allocate memory on the heap based on this unchecked input. This leads to memory corruption as the program writes beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical data structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through remote file processing, making it suitable for network-based attacks where malicious files are delivered to vulnerable applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4516 extends across numerous applications and systems that utilize the JasPer library for JPEG2000 image processing. This includes but is not limited to image viewers, document management systems, medical imaging software, and digital photography applications. The vulnerability creates a potential path for remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges on affected systems, or alternatively cause denial of service conditions through memory corruption that crashes applications. The attack surface is broad since JPEG2000 is a widely supported image format used in various industries including healthcare, defense, and digital publishing, where the exploitation could lead to system compromise or service disruption. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1499 (Endpoint Denial of Service) techniques, as it enables both code execution and system availability compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4516 primarily involve immediate patching of the JasPer library to version 1.900.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement input validation measures to filter or reject JPEG2000 files with suspicious COD marker segments before processing. Network-based defenses can include content filtering solutions that scan for potentially malicious JPEG2000 files, while application-level protections should enforce strict bounds checking and memory allocation validation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual memory allocation patterns or application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust input sanitization practices as recommended in industry standards such as the OWASP Top 10 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for software security. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for image processing applications to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.