CVE-2014-8158 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in jpc_qmfb.c in JasPer 1.900.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted JPEG 2000 image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8158 represents a critical security flaw in the JasPer library version 1.900.1 and earlier, which is widely used for processing JPEG 2000 image format files across numerous applications and systems. This vulnerability stems from multiple stack-based buffer overflows located within the jpc_qmfb.c source file, which is part of the JasPer JPEG 2000 codec implementation. The flaw manifests when the library processes malformed or crafted JPEG 2000 image files, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. Such buffer overflows are particularly dangerous because they can lead to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, or in some cases, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects any system that utilizes JasPer for JPEG 2000 image processing, including image viewers, servers, and applications that handle user-uploaded image content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JPEG 2000 image headers and data structures that are processed by the JasPer library's quad-tree based multi-resolution filter bank implementation. When a malformed image is parsed, the insufficient bounds checking in the jpc_qmfb.c file allows attackers to craft specific bit patterns that cause the buffer overflow conditions during memory allocation or data copying operations. The stack-based nature of these overflows means that the attacker can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack data structures, which may lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-known weakness in software security that has been documented in numerous security advisories and vulnerability assessments. The impact is particularly severe because JPEG 2000 is used in various critical applications including medical imaging systems, satellite imagery processing, and digital photography applications where security is paramount.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations that process or serve JPEG 2000 content, particularly those with web applications or services that accept user-uploaded images. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability without requiring physical access to the target system, making it a high-severity threat in networked environments. The potential for denial of service attacks can disrupt critical services, while the possibility of arbitrary code execution opens the door to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including web browsers, email clients, or any application that utilizes the vulnerable JasPer library. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through simple file uploads or by tricking users into opening malicious JPEG 2000 files, making it a common target for social engineering and automated exploitation campaigns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it can be used to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to JasPer version 1.900.2 or later, which contains patches for the identified buffer overflow vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures for all JPEG 2000 content, particularly in web applications and file upload systems. Network-based mitigations such as intrusion detection systems can help detect attempts to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for specific patterns in JPEG 2000 file structures. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms can reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping third-party libraries updated and conducting regular security assessments of applications that rely on vulnerable components. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure that all systems using JasPer or similar libraries remain protected against known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the security fixes do not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing JPEG 2000 processing requirements.