CVE-2013-2126 in LibRaw
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple double free vulnerabilities in the LibRaw::unpack function in libraw_cxx.cpp in LibRaw before 0.15.2 allow context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a malformed full-color (1) Foveon or (2) sRAW image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The CVE-2013-2126 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the LibRaw library version 0.15.2 and earlier, specifically within the LibRaw::unpack function located in libraw_cxx.cpp. This vulnerability manifests as multiple double free conditions that occur when processing malformed image files, particularly those containing full-color Foveon or sRAW image data. The flaw exists in the library's handling of image data structures during the unpacking process, where improper memory management leads to memory corruption scenarios that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory deallocation practices within the LibRaw library's image processing pipeline. When the LibRaw::unpack function encounters malformed Foveon or sRAW image files, it fails to properly validate the image data structure before attempting to free allocated memory blocks. This results in the same memory address being freed twice, creating a double free condition that can be leveraged to manipulate the heap memory layout. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning that attackers must craft specific malformed image files that trigger the problematic code path during image processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2126 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable arbitrary code execution. When exploited successfully, the double free conditions can corrupt the heap memory structure, allowing attackers to manipulate pointers and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where LibRaw is used for processing untrusted image files, such as web applications, image processing services, or digital asset management systems. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on LibRaw for image format handling, including photo editing software, web browsers, and digital camera firmware.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-415, which describes double free conditions in memory management, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The attack surface is broad given LibRaw's widespread adoption across various applications, making it a significant concern for system administrators and security professionals. The vulnerability's exploitation requires attackers to craft specific malformed image files that can trigger the double free conditions during normal image processing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2126 primarily involve upgrading to LibRaw version 0.15.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the double free conditions. Organizations should also implement input validation measures and sanitize all image files before processing them through LibRaw, particularly when dealing with untrusted sources. Additionally, deploying application sandboxing techniques and restricting file processing capabilities can reduce the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting abnormal memory usage patterns and application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security audits of image processing pipelines can help identify other potential vulnerabilities in the software stack.