CVE-2015-0852 in FreeImage
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer underflows in PluginPCX.cpp in FreeImage 3.17.0 and earlier allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap memory corruption) via vectors related to the height and width of a window.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0852 represents a critical integer underflow flaw within the FreeImage library version 3.17.0 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the PluginPCX.cpp component which handles PCX image file processing. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of image dimensions during file parsing, creating conditions where maliciously crafted PCX files can trigger arithmetic underflow scenarios that corrupt heap memory structures. Such vulnerabilities fall under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-191, which specifically addresses integer underflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign image processing operations can become vectors for sophisticated attacks when proper input validation is absent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a PCX file with maliciously specified height and width values that, when processed by the vulnerable FreeImage library, result in integer underflow conditions. During the parsing process, the library attempts to allocate heap memory based on these malformed dimensions, but due to the underflow, the calculated memory allocation size becomes negative or unexpectedly small. This misalignment in memory allocation causes heap corruption that can lead to application crashes, denial of service conditions, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution environment. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and memory management, where improper handling of integer arithmetic directly impacts system stability and security posture.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0852 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can affect any application that utilizes the vulnerable FreeImage library for PCX file processing. Systems that process untrusted image files from web applications, email attachments, or file upload mechanisms become particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability is especially concerning in server environments where image processing is automated and continuous, as a single malicious file can cause cascading failures across multiple services. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of software exploitation to gain unauthorized access or cause system instability. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition without requiring local system access, making it a significant concern for networked applications and services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches from the FreeImage project maintainers. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to FreeImage versions that have addressed this specific integer underflow condition, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure. Additionally, implementing input validation measures at application layers can provide defense-in-depth protection, including validating image dimensions before processing and implementing proper error handling for malformed files. Network-based security controls such as content filtering and file type validation can also help prevent exploitation by blocking potentially malicious PCX files from reaching vulnerable systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation and proper integer handling in security-critical software components, particularly those involved in multimedia processing where untrusted input is common.