CVE-2016-10249 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the jpc_dec_tiledecode function in jpc_dec.c in JasPer before 1.900.12 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted image file, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10249 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the JasPer image processing library, specifically within the jpc_dec_tiledecode function located in jpc_dec.c. This issue affects versions of JasPer prior to 1.900.12 and creates a significant security risk for systems that process JPEG 2000 image files. The flaw occurs during the decoding process when the library fails to properly validate integer values, leading to a scenario where mathematical operations exceed the maximum representable value for the data type being used. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems that handle numerical computations.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs when a maliciously crafted JPEG 2000 image file is processed by an application using the vulnerable JasPer library. When the jpc_dec_tiledecode function attempts to decode the specially crafted tile data, the integer overflow causes incorrect memory allocation calculations, resulting in memory regions being accessed beyond their intended boundaries. This heap-based overflow can be exploited by remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code, cause denial of service conditions, or access sensitive data within the application's memory space. The vulnerability's impact is unspecified but typically encompasses the full range of heap corruption possibilities that can be leveraged by attackers.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process image files from untrusted sources, including web applications, image processing servers, and content management systems that handle user-uploaded JPEG 2000 files. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Applications using JasPer versions before 1.900.12 are vulnerable regardless of the specific use case, as the flaw exists within the core decoding functionality that is invoked whenever JPEG 2000 files are processed. The attack vector is particularly concerning because JPEG 2000 format is used in various applications including medical imaging, satellite imagery, and digital photography systems where image processing is critical.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2016-10249 involves immediate upgrade to JasPer version 1.900.12 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent the integer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including input validation for image files, sandboxing of image processing operations, and network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer overflow protection mechanisms in cryptographic and image processing libraries, as these components often handle untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of vulnerable JasPer versions within their software ecosystems. This particular vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by creating opportunities for privilege escalation and code execution through memory corruption, while also representing a classic example of how improper input validation in core library functions can lead to widespread security implications across multiple applications.