CVE-2013-3481 in Artweaver Plus
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Artweaver Plus and Free before 3.1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted JPG image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3481 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Artweaver Plus and Free versions prior to 3.1.5. This security weakness resides in the image processing functionality of the software, specifically within how it handles jpeg image files during the decoding process. The flaw manifests when the application encounters a specially crafted jpeg file that contains malformed data structures designed to overflow the allocated stack memory buffers. Such buffer overflow conditions occur when the program writes more data to a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the jpeg decoding library used by Artweaver. When processing a malformed jpeg file, the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of image components, particularly the quantization tables and huffman tables that define how pixel data should be interpreted. This lack of proper bounds checking allows attackers to craft jpeg files containing oversized data sequences that exceed the predetermined buffer sizes allocated on the stack. The overflow typically occurs during the decompression phase when the software attempts to reconstruct the image data from its compressed form, creating a scenario where adjacent memory locations become overwritten with attacker-controlled data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to users who may unknowingly open maliciously crafted jpeg files, particularly in environments where automated image processing occurs or where users frequently download images from untrusted sources. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks, email attachments, or file sharing platforms without requiring any special privileges or local access to the target system. Successful exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the Artweaver application, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because jpeg files are universally recognized and commonly used across all platforms, making them an ideal vector for widespread exploitation.
The security implications of CVE-2013-3481 align with several established cybersecurity frameworks and threat models. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which describes the condition where data written to a stack buffer exceeds its allocated size, causing memory corruption. The attack pattern follows typical exploit development methodologies described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Organizations using affected versions of Artweaver should prioritize immediate patching and implement network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious jpeg file transfers. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted image files and implementing application whitelisting policies can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular software updates and proper input validation in preventing memory corruption exploits that can lead to complete system compromise.