CVE-2012-3358 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple heap-based buffer overflows in the j2k_read_sot function in j2k.c in OpenJPEG 1.5 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) tile number or (2) tile length in a JPEG 2000 image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3358 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the OpenJPEG 1.5 library, specifically within the j2k_read_sot function located in j2k.c. This flaw affects the processing of JPEG 2000 image files and demonstrates a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited remotely. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking during the parsing of tile-related metadata within JPEG 2000 file structures, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the j2k_read_sot function processes tile number and tile length parameters from crafted JPEG 2000 image files. The function fails to properly validate the size parameters before attempting to allocate heap memory for tile data structures. This inadequate validation allows attackers to specify oversized tile numbers or lengths that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in heap corruption. The vulnerability specifically targets heap-based memory allocation patterns where the application attempts to write data beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical data structures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems processing JPEG 2000 imagery, including medical imaging systems, digital photography applications, and document management platforms. The remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can trigger the vulnerability through web-based image processing services, email attachments, or file sharing platforms without requiring local system access. The potential for arbitrary code execution makes this a particularly dangerous vulnerability, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full control over affected systems. Additionally, the denial of service aspect ensures that even unsuccessful exploitation attempts can disrupt legitimate services and cause system unavailability.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that enables memory corruption attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1499.004 for network denial of service, as attackers can leverage this weakness to both execute malicious code and disrupt service availability. The attack surface extends to any application or service that utilizes OpenJPEG 1.5 for JPEG 2000 file processing, including web browsers, image viewers, and server applications handling image uploads. Organizations using affected software should prioritize immediate patching and implement defensive measures such as input validation, sandboxing, and network segmentation to mitigate potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3358 should include immediate deployment of OpenJPEG 1.5.1 or later versions that contain the patched j2k_read_sot function with proper bounds checking. System administrators should also implement input validation measures at network boundaries to filter potentially malicious JPEG 2000 files before they reach processing applications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies, memory protection mechanisms such as DEP and ASLR, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other image processing libraries. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and incident response procedures should be updated to address potential memory corruption attacks targeting image processing components.