CVE-2012-2836 in libexif
Summary
by MITRE
The exif_data_load_data function in exif-data.c in the EXIF Tag Parsing Library (aka libexif) before 0.6.21 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) or possibly obtain sensitive information from process memory via crafted EXIF tags in an image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2836 resides within the EXIF Tag Parsing Library, commonly known as libexif, which is a widely used open-source library for parsing and manipulating exchangeable image file format metadata. This library is integral to numerous image processing applications, digital cameras, and photo management software that rely on proper EXIF data handling to extract and display metadata such as camera settings, timestamps, and geolocation information. The flaw specifically affects versions prior to 0.6.21, making it a significant concern for systems that have not been updated to address this security weakness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the exif_data_load_data function located in the exif-data.c source file. This function is responsible for loading and processing EXIF data from image files, but it fails to properly validate the bounds of data structures when parsing malformed EXIF tags. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition where the library attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries when encountering crafted EXIF data. This improper validation creates a scenario where maliciously constructed image files can trigger memory access violations that result in unpredictable behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially lead to information disclosure from process memory. Attackers who can craft malicious EXIF data can exploit this weakness to read sensitive information that may be present in the memory space of applications using libexif, including but not limited to authentication tokens, user credentials, or other confidential data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely through image files that are processed by vulnerable applications, making it a potential vector for attacks on web applications, email clients, and other systems that automatically parse image metadata.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which classifies it as a memory safety issue that occurs when a program reads data past the end of a valid buffer. The attack surface is significantly broadened by the widespread adoption of libexif across various software platforms, making it a prime target for exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code or cause unintended behavior in target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2836 primarily focus on updating to libexif version 0.6.21 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the out-of-bounds read conditions. System administrators should prioritize patching affected applications that rely on libexif, particularly those handling user-uploaded images or processing EXIF data from untrusted sources. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for image files, deploying sandboxing techniques for image processing, and using network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify systems running outdated versions of the library and establish monitoring for suspicious image file processing activities.