CVE-2016-5158 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the opj_tcd_init_tile function in tcd.c in OpenJPEG, as used in PDFium in Google Chrome before 53.0.2785.89 on Windows and OS X and before 53.0.2785.92 on Linux, allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow) or possibly have unspecified other impact via crafted JPEG 2000 data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-5158 represents a critical security flaw in the OpenJPEG library implementation within Google Chrome's PDFium component. This issue manifests as multiple integer overflows occurring within the opj_tcd_init_tile function in the tcd.c file, which serves as a core component in the JPEG 2000 decoding process. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, with specific version ranges indicating the scope of impacted Chrome releases. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of image processing libraries and web browser security, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through crafted malicious JPEG 2000 data payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of integer values during the tile initialization phase of JPEG 2000 decoding operations. When processing malformed JPEG 2000 data, the opj_tcd_init_tile function fails to properly handle integer arithmetic that results in overflow conditions. These overflows occur when the system attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes or buffer boundaries based on malicious input parameters. The integer overflow conditions can cause subsequent memory allocation operations to fail or produce incorrect buffer sizes, leading to heap-based buffer overflow conditions that can corrupt memory structures. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities, and specifically demonstrates the pathway from input validation failure to memory corruption in the context of image processing libraries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through web-based content, making it exploitable in a remote attack scenario without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5158 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable more severe security consequences. While the primary reported impact includes heap-based buffer overflow leading to denial of service conditions, the vulnerability's potential for unspecified other impacts suggests it could be leveraged for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Chrome browser process, given that the flaw exists in a memory management function that directly controls buffer allocation. The vulnerability affects the PDFium component which handles PDF document rendering, making it particularly dangerous in the context of web browsing where users may encounter malicious PDF content. The cross-platform nature of the vulnerability means that users across different operating systems are at risk, with specific version targeting indicating that the exploitation window spans multiple Chrome release channels. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how image processing libraries can become attack vectors in modern web browsers, where the complexity of image format handling creates numerous potential entry points for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5158 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and patches. The most effective approach involves updating Google Chrome to versions 53.0.2785.89 or later on Windows and macOS, and 53.0.2785.92 or later on Linux, which contain the necessary fixes for the integer overflow conditions. Organizations should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely through web-based attacks. Browser vendors and system administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as sandboxing techniques and content filtering to reduce the attack surface. The fix typically involves implementing proper integer overflow checking and bounds validation within the opj_tcd_init_tile function to prevent malicious input from causing arithmetic overflow conditions. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory allocation patterns and potential buffer overflow indicators during JPEG 2000 processing. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of third-party components integrated into browser applications. This case study exemplifies how vulnerabilities in foundational libraries can impact entire software ecosystems and underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all system components.