CVE-2016-1577 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in the jas_iccattrval_destroy function in JasPer 1.900.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted ICC color profile in a JPEG 2000 image file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-8137.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2022
The CVE-2016-1577 vulnerability represents a critical double free error in the JasPer library version 1.900.1 and earlier, specifically within the jas_iccattrval_destroy function. This flaw occurs when processing ICC color profiles embedded within JPEG 2000 image files, creating a scenario where memory management becomes compromised through improper handling of dynamically allocated resources. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious ICC profile that triggers the double free condition during the destruction phase of ICC attribute values, leading to unpredictable behavior in the affected applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the JasPer library's color profile handling mechanism. When the jas_iccattrval_destroy function processes malformed ICC data, it attempts to free the same memory block twice, which violates fundamental memory safety principles and creates opportunities for memory corruption. This double free condition can be leveraged by remote attackers to either crash applications through controlled memory corruption or potentially execute arbitrary code by manipulating the heap layout and memory pointers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the library level, affecting any application that utilizes JasPer for JPEG 2000 image processing, including web browsers, image viewers, and document processing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1577 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential code execution capabilities that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.1.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Applications relying on JasPer for image processing become vulnerable to remote exploitation when handling untrusted JPEG 2000 files containing crafted ICC profiles. The vulnerability affects a wide range of systems and software components that depend on JasPer, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by adversaries to compromise system integrity. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-415: Double Free, which is classified as a memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution when properly exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1577 require immediate patching of JasPer library installations to versions 2.0.0 and later where the double free vulnerability has been resolved. System administrators should implement strict input validation for all JPEG 2000 files and ICC profiles, particularly in environments where untrusted image data is processed. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can process potentially malicious image files. Additionally, implementing memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious image processing patterns and monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the fix properly resolves the memory management issue without introducing regressions in image processing functionality.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in security-critical libraries and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171 for protecting sensitive information in non-federal systems. The issue highlights the need for regular security audits of third-party libraries and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The CVE-2016-1577 serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor memory management flaws in foundational libraries can create significant security risks across entire software ecosystems, emphasizing the necessity of robust security testing and code review processes for all software components.