CVE-2016-4330 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE
In the HDF5 1.8.16 library's failure to check if the number of dimensions for an array read from the file is within the bounds of the space allocated for it, a heap-based buffer overflow will occur, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4330 resides within the HDF5 1.8.16 library, a widely used format for storing and managing large amounts of data in scientific computing environments. This issue manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs when the library processes array data read from HDF5 files without proper validation of dimension counts against allocated memory space. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on systems processing vulnerable HDF5 files. The vulnerability affects systems where HDF5 libraries are used to read and process scientific data, particularly in research institutions, government agencies, and commercial applications that rely on HDF5 for data storage and retrieval operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the HDF5 library's array reading functionality. When processing arrays stored in HDF5 files, the library fails to verify that the number of dimensions specified in the file data does not exceed the bounds of pre-allocated memory buffers. This oversight creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious HDF5 files containing oversized dimension specifications that exceed the allocated heap memory boundaries. The resulting buffer overflow occurs in the heap memory region, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially inject or execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a critical weakness in memory safety. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the target system to process a specially crafted HDF5 file, making it a file-based attack vector that can be delivered through various means including email attachments, file sharing platforms, or web downloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4330 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain full control over affected systems. Systems processing scientific data using vulnerable HDF5 versions are at risk, particularly those in research environments where large datasets are frequently exchanged and processed. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using HDF5 libraries in critical applications such as climate modeling, genomics research, financial data analysis, and aerospace engineering are especially vulnerable. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed scientific computing libraries means that the potential attack surface is extensive across multiple industries and research domains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4330 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of the HDF5 library where the dimension validation has been properly implemented. Organizations should prioritize patching their systems and applications that utilize HDF5 libraries, particularly those processing external or untrusted data files. System administrators should implement file validation procedures for HDF5 files received from external sources, including scanning for malicious content and verifying file integrity. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting access to systems that process sensitive HDF5 data. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file processing patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized HDF5 processing applications, thereby reducing the attack surface for this vulnerability. The patching process should include thorough testing to ensure that updated libraries maintain compatibility with existing applications while eliminating the buffer overflow conditions that enable exploitation.