CVE-2014-8184 in Liblouis
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability was found in liblouis, versions 2.5.x before 2.5.4. A stack-based buffer overflow was found in findTable() in liblouis. An attacker could create a malicious file that would cause applications that use liblouis (such as Orca) to crash, or potentially execute arbitrary code when opened.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8184 resides within liblouis, a widely used library for braille translation and back-translation that serves as a critical component in accessibility software. This library forms the backbone of several screen readers and braille display applications, including the popular Orca screen reader for linux desktop environments. The flaw manifests in the findTable() function which processes table files containing braille translation mappings. The vulnerability specifically affects versions 2.5.x prior to 2.5.4, representing a significant security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors targeting users of accessibility software. The nature of the vulnerability places it squarely within the category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions that are classified under CWE-121, where insufficient boundary checking allows memory corruption to occur.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when applications utilizing liblouis process malformed table files that trigger the buffer overflow within the findTable() function. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution. When applications like Orca encounter these malicious files, they crash due to the memory corruption or could be coaxed into executing unintended code paths. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes as this vulnerability represents a privilege escalation vector since many accessibility applications run with elevated privileges to properly interact with system resources. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under T1059, specifically targeting application execution through malformed input processing. This vulnerability demonstrates how accessibility software, which typically operates with trusted user input, can become a vector for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8184 is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of liblouis in assistive technology environments. System administrators and security teams must consider that users who rely on screen readers and braille displays may be exposed to attacks that could compromise their computing environments. The vulnerability affects not just individual applications but the entire ecosystem of accessibility tools that depend on liblouis for their braille translation capabilities. Organizations implementing security controls must ensure that all versions of liblouis are updated to 2.5.4 or later to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation in library code that serves as a foundation for multiple applications, as a flaw in a core library can have cascading effects across numerous software products. Security professionals should monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, particularly in environments where accessibility software is prevalent, as the attack surface includes not only desktop environments but also mobile applications that may utilize similar libraries. The remediation process requires careful application of patches to all affected versions while ensuring that updated libraries maintain compatibility with existing braille translation files and system configurations.