CVE-2012-1616 in Argyllcms
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in icclib before 2.13, as used by Argyll CMS before 1.4 and possibly other programs, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via a crafted ICC profile file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The CVE-2012-1616 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in the icclib library version 2.12 and earlier, which forms the foundation of Argyll CMS version 1.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the International Color Consortium profile handling functionality, specifically when processing malformed ICC profile files that contain crafted data structures. The flaw occurs during the parsing of color profile metadata where the application fails to properly validate input data before accessing memory locations that have already been freed, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can manipulate memory access patterns.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of ICC profile file structures to trigger a use-after-free condition in the icclib library. When a malicious ICC profile is processed, the library allocates memory for color profile data structures, processes the data, and subsequently frees the memory. However, due to inadequate input validation and memory management controls, an attacker can craft specific data sequences that cause the application to reference freed memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior. This memory corruption can result in either application crashes that manifest as denial of service conditions or more severe exploitation scenarios where arbitrary code execution becomes possible through controlled memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise systems running affected software. The vulnerability affects not only Argyll CMS but potentially other applications that utilize the icclib library for color management operations, including graphic design software, print management systems, and color calibration tools. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious ICC profile files through various attack vectors such as email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently process color profiles from untrusted sources.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it particularly relevant for organizations implementing security controls under frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53, specifically addressing configuration management and vulnerability management controls. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing additional safeguards such as file type validation, sandboxing of color profile processing, and network-based intrusion detection rules targeting known malicious ICC profile patterns to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected software versions, implementing strict input validation for ICC profile files, and deploying network segmentation controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. System administrators should also consider implementing automated scanning tools that can detect and block malicious ICC profile files, as well as establishing monitoring procedures for unusual application crashes or memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust memory management practices and input validation in color management systems, particularly given the widespread use of ICC profiles in professional graphics and printing workflows where such vulnerabilities can have significant operational consequences.