CVE-2013-6369 in JBIG-KIT
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the jbg_dec_in function in libjbig/jbig.c in JBIG-KIT before 2.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6369 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the JBIG-KIT library version 2.0 and earlier. This issue resides in the jbg_dec_in function located in the libjbig/jbig.c file, which forms a core component of the JBIG-KIT image processing library used for decoding JBIG2 compressed images. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes malformed or crafted image files, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This flaw falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, a well-documented weakness that occurs when a program writes data beyond the bounds of a fixed-length stack buffer, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it presents a potential path for remote code execution. When an application utilizing JBIG-KIT processes a maliciously crafted image file, the buffer overflow can cause the application to crash or, in more severe cases, allow an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code within the target system's memory space. This risk is particularly concerning given that JBIG-KIT is widely used in various applications including document management systems, image processing software, and web browsers that handle JBIG2 compressed images. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain code execution, and demonstrates how image processing libraries can serve as attack vectors for remote exploitation.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2013-6369 requires an attacker to craft a specially formatted JBIG2 image file that triggers the buffer overflow condition during the decoding process. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that rely on the jbg_dec_in function for image decompression, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or receive image files from untrusted sources. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data, leading to unpredictable behavior and execution control. This vulnerability is classified as a remote attack vector since the malicious image file can be delivered over a network without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web-based applications or services that process user-uploaded content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected JBIG-KIT versions to 2.1 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should also implement strict input validation measures for all image processing components, particularly those handling JBIG2 format files, to prevent malformed data from reaching vulnerable functions. Additionally, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious image file patterns and implementing application sandboxing techniques can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing JBIG-KIT or similar image processing libraries, ensuring that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation of similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other components of their software infrastructure.