CVE-2015-1860 in Qt
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the QtBase module in Qt before 4.8.7 and 5.x before 5.4.2 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted GIF image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1860 represents a critical security flaw within the QtBase module of the Qt framework, affecting versions prior to 4.8.7 and 5.x versions before 5.4.2. This issue manifests through multiple buffer overflow conditions that occur during the processing of specially crafted GIF image files, creating a significant attack surface for remote threat actors seeking to exploit the affected systems. The Qt framework is widely utilized across various software applications and operating systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially impact a vast ecosystem of applications that rely on Qt for graphical user interface functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking within the GIF image parsing routines of the QtBase module. When processing malformed GIF images, the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of image data elements, leading to memory corruption through buffer overflows. These buffer overflows occur in the memory management routines responsible for handling GIF image decompression and rendering, where the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically affects the handling of GIF image headers, color tables, and image data segments, where the parsing logic does not adequately verify the integrity of the input data before attempting to store it in memory buffers of predetermined size.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1860 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a severe security concern for affected organizations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering maliciously crafted GIF images through various attack vectors including web browsers, email attachments, or file sharing platforms, where the Qt-based applications would process these images automatically. The remote exploitation capability means that adversaries do not require local system access or user interaction beyond viewing the compromised image, as the vulnerability can be triggered through automated processes. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation for execution and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack chains.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by the widespread adoption of Qt framework across numerous software products and operating systems, including desktop applications, mobile applications, and embedded systems. Organizations running affected versions of Qt-based applications face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be exploited through common attack vectors such as web browsing, email processing, or file downloads. The potential for arbitrary code execution means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full control of affected systems, install persistent backdoors, or establish command and control channels. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios, both of which are common patterns in memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1860 primarily focus on immediate patching and version upgrades to the affected Qt framework components. Organizations should prioritize updating their Qt installations to versions 4.8.7 or 5.4.2 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, implementing network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent the delivery of malicious GIF images to vulnerable applications. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of Qt-based applications that process untrusted image content, as well as deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines, which emphasize the need for robust bounds checking and defensive programming techniques to prevent buffer overflow conditions in software applications.