CVE-2012-2845 in exif
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the jpeg_data_load_data function in jpeg-data.c in libjpeg in exif 0.6.20 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (buffer over-read and application crash) or obtain potentially sensitive information via a crafted JPEG file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2845 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the jpeg_data_load_data function located in jpeg-data.c of the libjpeg library version 0.6.20. This flaw exists within the exif library ecosystem and demonstrates a classic buffer management issue that can be exploited remotely to cause significant system instability and potential information disclosure. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during the processing of jpeg image data, specifically when the library attempts to allocate memory for image data structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the jpeg_data_load_data function processes malformed jpeg files containing crafted data sequences that trigger integer overflow conditions. When the library calculates buffer sizes or data lengths for image processing operations, it fails to properly validate or sanitize input values, leading to scenarios where calculated buffer sizes exceed the intended limits. This overflow condition results in the allocation of insufficient memory buffers, which then get overwritten during subsequent data processing operations. The flaw manifests as a buffer over-read condition where the application attempts to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries, causing application crashes or unpredictable behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for systems that process jpeg images from untrusted sources, including web applications, image processing servers, and content management systems. Attackers can craft malicious jpeg files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, will trigger the integer overflow and cause denial of service conditions. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the vulnerability may also allow for information disclosure through memory corruption that could expose sensitive data from the application's memory space. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where applications handle user-uploaded content or process images from external sources without proper validation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or cause system instability. The flaw represents a fundamental memory safety issue that affects the core jpeg processing capabilities of affected systems, making it a prime target for exploitation in broader attack campaigns. Organizations using vulnerable versions of libjpeg should prioritize immediate remediation through library updates, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction or authentication.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected libjpeg versions to the latest stable releases that contain fixes for the integer overflow conditions. Additionally, implementing input validation measures that sanitize jpeg file headers and data structures before processing can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and application firewalls should be configured to limit exposure to untrusted image processing services, while regular security assessments should verify that no other components within the application stack are vulnerable to similar buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should also implement proper error handling and memory management practices to ensure that applications can gracefully handle malformed input data without crashing or exposing sensitive information.