CVE-2014-5116 in Wireshark
Summary
by MITRE
The cairo_image_surface_get_data function in Cairo 1.10.2, as used in GTK+ and Wireshark, allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via a large string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5116 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the Cairo graphics library version 1.10.2, which is widely utilized across various software applications including GTK+ and Wireshark. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the cairo_image_surface_get_data function, which is responsible for retrieving pixel data from image surfaces in the Cairo graphics rendering system. The flaw manifests when the function processes malformed or excessively large string inputs, creating a scenario where a NULL pointer dereference occurs during normal operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific code path within the Cairo library where the cairo_image_surface_get_data function fails to properly validate the size parameters of incoming string data. When an attacker crafts a malicious input containing an oversized string, the function attempts to process this data without adequate bounds checking, leading to a situation where a NULL pointer is dereferenced during memory allocation or data processing operations. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning it requires specific conditions to be met for exploitation, typically involving the manipulation of image rendering operations within applications that utilize Cairo for graphics processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it affects the stability and reliability of applications that depend on Cairo for graphical operations. When exploited, the NULL pointer dereference causes applications such as GTK+ based interfaces and Wireshark network analysis tools to crash or become unresponsive, effectively rendering the affected software unusable. This denial of service condition can be particularly problematic in network monitoring environments where Wireshark is commonly deployed, as it could be exploited to disrupt network analysis operations. The vulnerability affects systems where Cairo 1.10.2 is integrated, which includes numerous desktop environments, network analysis tools, and graphics applications that rely on the Cairo library for rendering operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5116 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the affected vendors. System administrators should prioritize updating Cairo library components to versions that contain fixed implementations of the cairo_image_surface_get_data function with proper input validation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 sub-technique for Network Denial of Service, highlighting its potential for disrupting service availability. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input sanitization at application layers that utilize Cairo, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous string data patterns, and establishing robust application sandboxing to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to prevent unauthorized manipulation of input data that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability.