CVE-2015-8665 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
tif_getimage.c in LibTIFF 4.0.6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via the SamplesPerPixel tag in a TIFF image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8665 resides within the LibTIFF library version 4.0.6, specifically in the tif_getimage.c component. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through carefully crafted TIFF image files. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes the SamplesPerPixel tag, which is a standard metadata field within TIFF image format specifications used to indicate the number of samples per pixel in an image. The flaw occurs during the image parsing process when the library fails to properly validate the SamplesPerPixel tag value against expected boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the LibTIFF processing pipeline. When a malicious TIFF file contains an improperly formatted SamplesPerPixel tag, the library attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries during image decompression operations. This out-of-bounds read condition occurs because the code does not perform sufficient bounds checking before using the tag value to determine memory allocation or data access patterns. The flaw is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation issue, specifically involving improper validation of input boundaries. The vulnerability directly impacts the library's ability to safely process image data and can be exploited across any application that relies on LibTIFF for TIFF image handling, including image viewers, document management systems, and web applications that process uploaded images.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to crash applications that utilize LibTIFF, causing denial of service conditions that may affect availability of critical services. In environments where automated image processing or upload handling is prevalent, such as web applications, content management systems, or digital asset management platforms, this vulnerability can be exploited to cause widespread service interruptions. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through simple file uploads or network-based image processing requests. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004 (Resource Hijacking) and T1566.001 (Phishing via Social Media) as attackers can use it to disrupt services or as part of broader attack chains targeting system availability. The vulnerability affects a wide range of software including but not limited to web browsers, image processing applications, document viewers, and server-side applications that handle TIFF file formats. Organizations using affected versions of LibTIFF should prioritize immediate patching and implement defensive measures such as input sanitization, file type validation, and network segmentation to mitigate potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8665 should include immediate upgrading to LibTIFF versions that contain the patched code, specifically versions 4.0.7 and later where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper bounds checking implementation. System administrators should also implement input validation measures at network boundaries and application levels to filter out potentially malicious TIFF files before they reach vulnerable components. Network-based defenses such as intrusion prevention systems can be configured to detect and block suspicious TIFF file patterns. Additionally, implementing proper application sandboxing and memory protection mechanisms can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected LibTIFF versions and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in the future. The fix implemented in newer versions typically involves adding proper validation checks to ensure that the SamplesPerPixel tag value falls within acceptable ranges before any memory operations are performed, thereby preventing the out-of-bounds read condition that was previously exploitable.