CVE-2016-1923 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the opj_j2k_update_image_data function in OpenJpeg 2016.1.18 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read and application crash) via a crafted JPEG 2000 image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1923 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the OpenJpeg library version 2016.1.18, specifically within the opj_j2k_update_image_data function. This flaw resides in the handling of JPEG 2000 image files and demonstrates a classic memory corruption vulnerability that can be exploited remotely. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the processing of image metadata, where the library fails to properly validate the size parameters of image components before attempting memory allocation and data copying operations. Such deficiencies create opportunities for attackers to craft malicious JPEG 2000 files that trigger memory corruption when processed by vulnerable applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted JPEG 2000 image file is processed by software utilizing the affected OpenJpeg library. During the image data update process, the opj_j2k_update_image_data function attempts to copy image data into heap-allocated memory regions without sufficient validation of source buffer sizes. This leads to out-of-bounds memory access patterns where the application reads or writes beyond the allocated memory boundaries, resulting in unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability specifically manifests as an out-of-bounds read operation that can cause the target application to terminate unexpectedly, effectively rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1923 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise system availability and integrity within applications that rely on OpenJpeg for image processing. Systems utilizing vulnerable libraries in web applications, image processing servers, or document management platforms become susceptible to remote exploitation, allowing attackers to systematically disrupt services without requiring local system access. The vulnerability affects any software that incorporates OpenJpeg 2016.1.18 or earlier versions, including but not limited to web browsers, image viewers, document conversion tools, and server applications that handle JPEG 2000 formatted content. This broad attack surface increases the potential for widespread impact across various networked environments.
Security mitigations for CVE-2016-1923 primarily focus on immediate remediation through library updates and version upgrades to patched releases of OpenJpeg. Organizations should prioritize updating their OpenJpeg installations to versions that contain fixes for this heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability, typically released as part of the library's regular security maintenance cycles. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection by limiting the impact of potentially malicious image files. Network-based mitigations include deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious JPEG 2000 file transfers, while application-level defenses should enforce strict file format validation and implement proper memory management practices to prevent exploitation attempts.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution through crafted file processing. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for privilege escalation and denial of service attacks. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular security assessments of third-party libraries, automated patch deployment processes, and continuous monitoring for similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that may affect their software ecosystems. This particular vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security libraries and implementing proper input validation controls to prevent exploitation of memory corruption flaws in widely-used software components.