CVE-2012-2806 in libjpeg-turbo
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the get_sos function in jdmarker.c in libjpeg-turbo 1.2.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a large component count in the header of a JPEG image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2806 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the libjpeg-turbo library version 1.2.0, specifically within the get_sos function located in the jdmarker.c source file. This flaw arises from inadequate input validation when processing JPEG image headers, particularly when handling excessive component counts that exceed the allocated buffer space. The vulnerability manifests during the parsing of the Start of Scan (SOS) marker segment, where the application fails to properly bounds-check the component count field before using it to allocate memory or process data structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices in the JPEG decoding process. When a maliciously crafted JPEG image contains an oversized component count in its header, the get_sos function attempts to allocate memory or access arrays based on this unvalidated input without sufficient boundary checks. This creates a condition where heap memory can be overwritten beyond its allocated boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes or potential code execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation in this case operates within heap memory allocation patterns typical of heap-based buffer overflows.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems processing JPEG images, particularly those exposed to untrusted input sources such as web applications, email servers, or file upload systems. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specially formatted JPEG files containing excessive component counts, which when processed by vulnerable applications will trigger the buffer overflow condition. The impact ranges from denial of service through application crashes to potential arbitrary code execution depending on memory layout and exploitation conditions. Systems using libjpeg-turbo 1.2.0 for image processing, including web servers, content management systems, and image processing applications, are particularly vulnerable to this attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2806 require immediate patching of affected libjpeg-turbo installations to versions that include proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should implement robust input sanitization measures for all JPEG image processing workflows, including validating image headers before processing and implementing memory safety mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities, and defensive measures should include network segmentation, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious JPEG file patterns and implementing application whitelisting for image processing applications can provide additional protective layers against this specific attack vector.