CVE-2016-10272 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
LibTIFF 4.0.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted TIFF image, related to "WRITE of size 2048" and libtiff/tif_next.c:64:9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10272 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in LibTIFF version 4.0.7, a widely used library for handling tag image file format image files. This flaw exists within the tif_next.c source file at line 64, where a WRITE operation of size 2048 occurs, creating a significant security risk for systems that process untrusted TIFF image data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of malformed TIFF images, specifically when handling certain compression algorithms and data structures within the image metadata. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate memory allocation patterns through carefully crafted TIFF files, potentially leading to system instability or arbitrary code execution depending on the target environment and memory layout.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of TIFF image headers and data structures that trigger improper memory management during image processing operations. When the LibTIFF library attempts to write 2048 bytes of data to a heap-allocated buffer, the insufficient boundary validation causes the write operation to overflow into adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that can result in denial of service, information disclosure, or code execution. The attack vector requires only that an adversary be able to convince a victim system to process a maliciously crafted TIFF file, making it particularly dangerous in web applications, email systems, or any environment where users can upload or view image files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment. Systems that rely on LibTIFF for image processing, including web servers, content management systems, image processing applications, and digital asset management platforms, become vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate system but also creates potential chain reactions in environments where multiple applications depend on the same library instance. In enterprise settings, this could lead to service disruption across multiple applications or even system compromise if attackers can leverage the overflow to achieve code execution. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly concerning for publicly accessible services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10272 should prioritize immediate patching of affected LibTIFF versions, with the release of version 4.0.8 containing the necessary fixes for the heap-based buffer overflow. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation for all TIFF image processing workflows, including the deployment of sandboxed environments for image handling operations to isolate potential exploits. Network-based defenses can include content filtering systems that scan TIFF files for known malicious patterns or suspicious header structures. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which applications can process image files, combined with regular security audits of image processing pipelines to identify potential exploitation vectors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for defensive measures that address both the exploitation phase and the execution of malicious code within client applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated LibTIFF installations, as this vulnerability represents a persistent risk in environments where patch management processes are insufficient or delayed.