CVE-2011-4517 in Fusion Middleware
Summary
by MITRE
The jpc_crg_getparms function in libjasper/jpc/jpc_cs.c in JasPer 1.900.1 uses an incorrect data type during a certain size calculation, which allows remote attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code, or cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption), via a crafted component registration (CRG) marker segment in a JPEG2000 file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4517 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the JasPer library version 1.900.1, specifically within the jpc_crg_getparms function located in libjasper/jpc/jpc_cs.c. This flaw arises from an incorrect data type usage during size calculation operations, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through maliciously crafted JPEG2000 files containing specially constructed component registration (CRG) marker segments. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that directly enables arbitrary code execution and denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of data type conversions during the processing of JPEG2000 file components, particularly when parsing CRG marker segments that contain component registration information. When the jpc_crg_getparms function processes these segments, it performs size calculations using an incorrect data type that results in insufficient memory allocation for the buffer that will contain the parsed component data. This miscalculation allows attackers to write beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions with malicious data. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code, and T1499, which involves the use of memory corruption to cause denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it creates a comprehensive attack surface that can be leveraged by threat actors to compromise systems running applications that utilize the affected JasPer library. Systems processing JPEG2000 files become vulnerable to remote exploitation through various attack vectors including web applications, image processing services, and file upload mechanisms. The vulnerability affects any software that relies on JasPer 1.900.1 for JPEG2000 file handling, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted image files are processed. The heap memory corruption can lead to unpredictable system behavior, application crashes, or complete system compromise when attackers successfully exploit the overflow to inject and execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-4517 require immediate action including the upgrade to JasPer library version 2.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures for all JPEG2000 file processing workflows, particularly in web applications and file upload systems. The implementation of address space layout randomization (ASLR) and data execution prevention (DEP) mechanisms can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious JPEG2000 file patterns and unusual memory allocation behaviors that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems that may still be running the vulnerable JasPer library version, while maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for related exploitation attempts or variants of this vulnerability.