CVE-2016-10093 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in tools/tiffcp.c in LibTIFF 4.0.7 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted image, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10093 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the LibTIFF library version 4.0.7, specifically within the tools/tiffcp.c component. This flaw exists in the handling of image data processing operations where the library fails to properly validate integer values during memory allocation calculations. The vulnerability manifests when processing specially crafted TIFF image files that contain malformed dimension parameters or metadata values that, when interpreted by the tiffcp utility, cause integer overflow conditions. Such overflow conditions result in incorrect memory allocation sizes being computed, ultimately leading to heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The integer overflow occurs due to insufficient input validation and lack of proper bounds checking when processing image dimensions and data structures. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software design that allows attackers to manipulate integer values beyond their intended range. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption as it can potentially enable remote code execution, denial of service conditions, or information disclosure depending on how the vulnerable library is integrated into target systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used library that is part of numerous software applications, operating systems, and embedded systems that process TIFF image files. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious TIFF files with oversized dimension values that, when processed by any application utilizing the vulnerable LibTIFF version, trigger the integer overflow. The heap-based buffer overflow that results from this condition can be leveraged to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling privilege escalation through code execution in vulnerable applications, and represents a classic example of how insecure memory handling can lead to remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects systems where LibTIFF 4.0.7 is used for image processing, including but not limited to graphic applications, document management systems, web applications, and embedded devices that process image data. The exploitation requires minimal privileges as the vulnerability is remote in nature, meaning attackers can trigger the condition through network-based file processing without requiring local access. The remediation strategy involves upgrading to a patched version of LibTIFF where the integer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper memory allocation size validation and using safer integer arithmetic operations can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. System administrators should also consider implementing input sanitization measures and restricting file processing capabilities for untrusted image sources to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of rigorous input validation and proper integer handling in security-critical libraries, as even seemingly benign image processing operations can become attack vectors when proper safeguards are not implemented. Organizations using affected systems should prioritize patching and conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts or system compromise indicators related to this vulnerability.