CVE-2016-2089 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
The jas_matrix_clip function in jas_seq.c in JasPer 1.900.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid read and application crash) via a crafted JPEG 2000 image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2089 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the JasPer 1.900.1 library, specifically within the jas_matrix_clip function located in jas_seq.c. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when processing JPEG 2000 image files, creating a scenario where remote attackers can exploit malformed image data to disrupt system operations. The flaw manifests when the library attempts to process crafted JPEG 2000 files that contain invalid matrix clipping parameters, leading to invalid memory reads and subsequent application crashes that can be leveraged for denial of service attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read condition that operates at the intersection of image processing and memory safety. When JasPer processes a malformed JPEG 2000 image, the jas_matrix_clip function fails to properly validate the dimensions and clipping parameters of matrix operations, resulting in attempts to access memory locations outside the allocated bounds. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which categorizes out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a specific instance of improper input validation that can be exploited through crafted file formats. The function's failure to implement proper bounds checking when handling matrix clipping operations creates a predictable execution path that leads to application termination.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that process JPEG 2000 images, particularly those in web applications, document management systems, and multimedia processing platforms. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or download images. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the application crash can potentially be leveraged in more sophisticated attacks, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or used as part of a broader exploitation campaign. Systems relying on JasPer for image processing may experience complete service unavailability until the application is manually restarted or the vulnerability is patched.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2089 primarily involve immediate patching of the JasPer library to version 2.0.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and memory management. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as validating all incoming image files through multiple layers of checks, including file format verification and size restrictions, before processing them through the JasPer library. Network-level protections can include implementing content filtering mechanisms that detect and block suspicious JPEG 2000 files, while application-level safeguards should incorporate proper error handling and exception management to prevent crash propagation. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive logging of image processing activities to aid in forensic analysis should incidents occur. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would align with techniques involving resource exhaustion and application denial of service, specifically targeting the execution environment through malformed input processing.