CVE-2016-1628 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
pi.c in OpenJPEG, as used in PDFium in Google Chrome before 48.0.2564.109, does not validate a certain precision value, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted JPEG 2000 image in a PDF document, related to the opj_pi_next_rpcl, opj_pi_next_pcrl, and opj_pi_next_cprl functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1628 resides within the pi.c component of OpenJPEG library, which serves as a critical dependency for PDFium, the PDF rendering engine utilized by Google Chrome browser. This flaw manifests in the improper validation of precision values during the processing of JPEG 2000 image data embedded within PDF documents. The vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 48.0.2564.109, creating a significant security risk for users who encounter maliciously crafted PDF files containing manipulated JPEG 2000 imagery.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation within three key functions: opj_pi_next_rpcl, opj_pi_next_pcrl, and opj_pi_next_cprl. These functions handle the progression through different packet information structures during JPEG 2000 decoding operations. When processing malformed precision values in JPEG 2000 image data, the code fails to perform adequate bounds checking or value validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the decoding process through carefully crafted image parameters. This oversight results in out-of-bounds memory read operations that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system or trigger denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation capabilities to encompass broader security implications for web browsing environments. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness by embedding malicious JPEG 2000 images within PDF documents, which are then processed by Chrome's PDFium engine. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because PDF documents are commonly encountered in email attachments, web downloads, and various online platforms where users may inadvertently open malicious content. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to compromise user systems without requiring local access or user interaction beyond normal browsing activities.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input ranges, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, involving exploitation of web browsers through malicious content. The flaw represents a classic buffer over-read condition that can be amplified through the use of crafted data structures in image processing libraries. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often require minimal user interaction to exploit, making them particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter compromised PDF documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's remediation involves updating to Chrome version 48.0.2564.109 or later, which includes patched versions of the OpenJPEG library with proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment and consider implementing additional security measures such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing to mitigate potential exploitation attempts. The incident highlights the importance of thorough input validation in multimedia processing libraries and the critical need for regular security updates in browser components that handle complex file format processing.