CVE-2014-9449 in Exiv2
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the RiffVideo::infoTagsHandler function in riffvideo.cpp in Exiv2 0.24 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a long IKEY INFO tag value in an AVI file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9449 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Exiv2 library version 0.24, specifically affecting the RiffVideo::infoTagsHandler function in the riffvideo.cpp source file. This issue manifests when processing AVI media files containing excessively long IKEY INFO tag values, creating a condition where memory boundaries are exceeded during parsing operations. The flaw operates at the core of multimedia metadata handling, where the library fails to properly validate input lengths before attempting to store data in fixed-size buffers, directly violating fundamental security principles of input validation and memory management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the RiffVideo::infoTagsHandler function, which processes information tags contained within AVI file structures. When an attacker crafts an AVI file with an abnormally long IKEY INFO tag value, the function attempts to copy this data into a predetermined buffer without verifying that the source data exceeds the allocated buffer capacity. This classic buffer overflow condition creates a situation where adjacent memory locations become overwritten, leading to unpredictable program behavior and ultimately system crashes. The vulnerability operates under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions as critical weaknesses in memory management, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, specifically targeting software exploitation through memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within environments that process untrusted AVI files. Remote attackers can exploit this condition to cause application crashes, effectively rendering systems unable to process media files containing maliciously crafted metadata. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that adversaries can trigger the condition without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web-based applications or file processing services. Systems utilizing Exiv2 for automatic media metadata extraction, such as content management systems, media servers, or digital asset management platforms, become vulnerable to this attack vector, potentially leading to widespread service disruption and operational downtime.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9449 require immediate attention through software updates and proactive system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Exiv2 version 0.25 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all systems utilizing Exiv2 are updated promptly. Additionally, deployment of input validation controls at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection, where AVI file processing applications should implement additional checks to limit tag value lengths before passing files to Exiv2 for processing. Network-based mitigations such as content filtering and sandboxed processing environments can further reduce the risk of exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual crash patterns or processing failures that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues from compromising system integrity.