CVE-2013-6052 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
OpenJPEG 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6052 affects OpenJPEG version 1.3 and earlier, representing a sensitive information disclosure issue that poses significant security risks to systems utilizing this image processing library. OpenJPEG is a widely used open-source library for handling JPEG 2000 image format operations, serving as a critical component in various applications including medical imaging systems, digital photography software, and enterprise document management platforms. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors that enable remote attackers to extract sensitive information from systems running vulnerable versions of the library.
This type of information disclosure vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the OpenJPEG library implementation. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, potentially including malformed JPEG 2000 files, improper buffer handling during image decoding processes, or insufficient bounds checking in memory allocation routines. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" in software systems, indicating that the flaw creates opportunities for attackers to gain access to confidential data that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6052 extends beyond simple information leakage, as the sensitive data potentially exposed could include system memory contents, configuration details, user credentials, or proprietary information depending on the specific implementation context. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could leverage it to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system configurations, or gather intelligence that could facilitate subsequent attacks. In enterprise environments where OpenJPEG is integrated into critical applications, this vulnerability could compromise the confidentiality of sensitive documents, medical records, or business-critical data stored in JPEG 2000 format. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to OpenJPEG version 1.4 or later, which contains fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable versions of the library. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under information gathering techniques, specifically targeting the collection of system information that could be used for privilege escalation or further exploitation. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of proper software supply chain security practices, as the flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign library components can introduce significant security risks to larger applications and systems. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting deployed systems, particularly in environments where OpenJPEG is used for processing sensitive data.