CVE-2014-9672 in FreeType
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in the parse_fond function in base/ftmac.c in FreeType before 2.5.4 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) or obtain sensitive information from process memory via a crafted FOND resource in a Mac font file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9672 represents a critical array index error within the FreeType font rendering library that affects systems processing Mac font files. This flaw exists in the parse_fond function located in base/ftmac.c and impacts FreeType versions prior to 2.5.4, making it a significant concern for software that relies on proper font handling across different operating systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking when processing FOND resources within Mac font files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted font data can trigger unexpected behavior in the application stack.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the parse_fond function attempts to access array elements without proper validation of index boundaries. When a crafted FOND resource is processed, the function fails to validate the array indices used for accessing font data structures, leading to memory access violations that can result in either denial of service through application crashes or information disclosure through the reading of adjacent memory contents. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to memory safety issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9672 extends across multiple attack vectors since FreeType is widely used across various applications and operating systems including web browsers, office suites, and graphic design tools. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious font files through various channels such as email attachments, web content, or downloadable software packages. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk through information disclosure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of system commands for information gathering, and T1499.004, which addresses network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion. Systems that process untrusted font data without proper sanitization become vulnerable to this attack, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter arbitrary font files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of FreeType libraries to version 2.5.4 or later, which contains the necessary bounds checking fixes for the parse_fond function. Organizations should implement comprehensive font sanitization processes that validate font file structures before processing, particularly for files received from untrusted sources. Network-based defenses can include implementing web application firewalls that filter suspicious font file content and configuring applications to use restricted font processing modes. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160, which emphasizes the importance of input validation and bounds checking in preventing memory safety issues. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing automated patch management solutions to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain detailed logging of font processing activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.