CVE-2016-5140 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the opj_j2k_read_SQcd_SQcc function in j2k.c in OpenJPEG, as used in PDFium in Google Chrome before 52.0.2743.116, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JPEG 2000 data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-5140 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the OpenJPEG library's JPEG 2000 decoding functionality, specifically affecting the opj_j2k_read_SQcd_SQcc function in j2k.c. This flaw exists in the PDFium component of Google Chrome, which is responsible for rendering PDF documents that may contain embedded JPEG 2000 images. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted JPEG 2000 data, creating a condition where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write beyond the allocated heap memory buffer. The issue is classified as a heap overflow under CWE-121, which directly relates to the improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation in the context of image processing operations. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of image processing libraries and web browser security, where the parsing of untrusted image data can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The flaw specifically impacts Chrome versions prior to 52.0.2743.116, making it a significant concern for users running outdated browser versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the JPEG 2000 decoder's parameter parsing mechanism. When the opj_j2k_read_SQcd_SQcc function processes the quantization parameters in JPEG 2000 streams, it fails to properly validate the size of data structures before copying data into heap-allocated buffers. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted JPEG 2000 files that contain oversized parameter values, causing the decoder to write beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through PDF documents containing embedded JPEG 2000 images, making it accessible through normal web browsing activities. The memory corruption occurs during the decoding process when the application attempts to parse the quantization coefficients, which are critical components in JPEG 2000 compression standards. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution through memory corruption. The use of heap-based buffer overflows in image processing libraries demonstrates a common pattern where complex data format parsers fail to account for malicious input sizes, particularly in codecs that handle variable-length data structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5140 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution in vulnerable environments. While the primary effect is a denial of service through application crashes, the underlying heap corruption can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks if the attacker can control the memory layout or if additional vulnerabilities exist in the same code path. The vulnerability affects not only Google Chrome but any application using the affected version of OpenJPEG, including other browsers, PDF viewers, and image processing applications. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction since the attack can be delivered through web pages containing malicious PDF documents, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users may encounter such content. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of JPEG 2000 in PDF documents and the prevalence of Chrome as a default browser, creating a large attack surface. Security researchers have noted that similar vulnerabilities in image processing libraries have historically been exploited in targeted attacks against high-value targets, particularly in environments where users regularly interact with PDF documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking in cryptographic and image processing libraries, as these components often handle complex data structures with variable sizes that can be manipulated by attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5140 involve immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability has been addressed through updates to Chrome and the OpenJPEG library. Organizations should prioritize updating to Chrome version 52.0.2743.116 or later, which includes fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious PDF content containing crafted JPEG 2000 data. The recommended approach includes disabling JPEG 2000 support in browsers where possible, particularly in environments where such content is not required. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual PDF processing activities or memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms that limit the impact of potential exploitation by isolating the PDF rendering process from critical system resources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive testing of third-party libraries used in security-sensitive applications. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other applications using vulnerable versions of OpenJPEG and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The fix implemented in Chrome 52.0.2743.116 includes enhanced bounds checking and memory validation in the JPEG 2000 decoding process, specifically targeting the parameter parsing logic that was vulnerable to the buffer overflow condition.