CVE-2013-5349 in Picasa
Summary
by MITRE
Integer underflow in Picasa3.exe in Google Picasa before 3.9.0 Build 137.69 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted JPEG tag that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow, as demonstrated using a Canon RAW CR2 file with a large JPEG tag value and a small size.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5349 represents a critical security flaw in Google Picasa software version 3.8.3.137.69 and earlier, where an integer underflow condition in the Picasa3.exe executable creates a pathway for remote code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the handling of JPEG metadata within image files, particularly when processing Canon RAW CR2 files that contain crafted JPEG tags with oversized tag values but minimal actual data size. The flaw stems from improper input validation and arithmetic handling within the image processing pipeline, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly validate the size parameters of JPEG metadata structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic integer underflow condition that occurs when processing JPEG tags in image files. When Picasa encounters a JPEG tag with an unusually large value in its size field, but with actual data that is significantly smaller than the specified size, the application's arithmetic operations fail to properly handle the discrepancy. This results in a negative integer value being used to calculate buffer allocation sizes, which then leads to heap-based buffer overflow conditions. The CWE-190 classification applies here as this represents an integer overflow/underflow vulnerability that directly impacts memory allocation and buffer management. The vulnerability operates through the JPEG parsing component of Picasa, where the software attempts to allocate memory buffers based on malformed tag size values, creating exploitable conditions in the heap memory management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple image processing, as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the user running Picasa. Attackers can craft malicious CR2 files that contain specially designed JPEG tags to trigger the integer underflow condition, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain control of the target system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious code through the compromised application. The remote nature of the attack means that users can be compromised simply by opening or processing the malicious image files, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently handle images from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects Windows operating systems and can be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5349 focus primarily on updating to the patched version of Google Picasa 3.9.0 Build 137.69 or later, which includes proper input validation and integer overflow protection mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict image file validation policies, particularly for CR2 and other RAW image formats that may contain embedded JPEG metadata. Network security controls should include content filtering mechanisms that can detect and block potentially malicious image files based on metadata characteristics. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices, as highlighted in industry standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards and the OWASP Top Ten. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted image processing applications, and deploy regular security updates to address similar vulnerabilities in other image processing software that may be susceptible to similar integer underflow conditions.