CVE-2016-4333 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE
The HDF5 1.8.16 library allocating space for the array using a value from the file has an impact within the loop for initializing said array allowing a value within the file to modify the loop's terminator. Due to this, an aggressor can cause the loop's index to point outside the bounds of the array when initializing it.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4333 resides within the HDF5 1.8.16 library, a widely used software library for managing and storing large amounts of data in hierarchical format. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs during the initialization phase of array processing within the library's data handling mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the library reads array dimensions from external data files and subsequently uses these values to control loop termination conditions during array initialization. This design flaw creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the program flow through crafted input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the array initialization loop structure. When the HDF5 library processes data files containing array metadata, it reads dimension values directly from the file without adequate validation of these values against the allocated memory boundaries. The loop controlling array initialization uses a value read from the file as the terminating condition, creating a scenario where an attacker can supply a dimension value that exceeds the allocated array bounds. This allows the loop index to increment beyond the valid memory range, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous applications that rely on HDF5 for data storage and retrieval operations. Systems utilizing this library for scientific computing, data analysis, and large-scale data management become susceptible to remote code execution attacks when processing untrusted HDF5 files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations, requiring no special privileges or user interaction beyond the simple act of opening or processing a maliciously crafted HDF5 file. This makes the attack surface extremely broad, affecting everything from research institutions to commercial data processing platforms that depend on HDF5 for their data workflows.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of CWE-129, which encompasses improper validation of array index bounds, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The flaw demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in security-critical software components, particularly those handling untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of the HDF5 library, implementing strict file validation procedures, and deploying network segmentation to limit exposure. Additionally, defensive measures should include monitoring for unusual file processing patterns and implementing robust memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to reduce exploitability. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the fundamental security principle that all external data must be validated and sanitized before processing, regardless of the apparent legitimacy of the source.