CVE-2016-5316 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
Out-of-bounds read in the PixarLogCleanup function in tif_pixarlog.c in libtiff 4.0.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to crash the application by sending a crafted TIFF image to the rgb2ycbcr tool.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5316 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the PixarLogCleanup function of the libtiff library version 4.0.6 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the rgb2ycbcr tool which processes TIFF image files, creating a significant security risk for applications that rely on libtiff for image processing operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the function responsible for cleaning up Pixar log data during TIFF file processing. When a maliciously crafted TIFF image is processed by the rgb2ycbcr tool, the function attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential application crashes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the category of memory safety issues, specifically classified under CWE-125 as out-of-bounds read conditions. The flaw manifests when the PixarLogCleanup function fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits during the processing of Pixar log data embedded within TIFF files. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through crafted input files, making it a prime target for denial-of-service attacks and potentially more severe exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects the core TIFF processing functionality and can be triggered by any application that utilizes the rgb2ycbcr tool or directly calls the affected libtiff functions, creating widespread potential impact across various image processing applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents substantial risk to systems that process untrusted TIFF image files, particularly in environments where automated image conversion or processing occurs. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger the vulnerability through network-based attacks without requiring local access or user interaction. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for web applications, file processing services, and any system that accepts user-uploaded TIFF images. The crash behavior can be leveraged for denial-of-service attacks, potentially disrupting critical image processing workflows and services that depend on libtiff functionality. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in a widely-used library like libtiff means that numerous applications across different platforms and industries could be affected, amplifying the potential impact significantly.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2016-5316 primarily involves upgrading to libtiff version 4.0.7 or later, where the out-of-bounds read issue has been resolved through proper boundary checking and input validation. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as input sanitization for TIFF files, particularly when processing untrusted content, and consider employing sandboxing techniques to isolate image processing operations. Network-based protections can include filtering or rejecting suspicious TIFF files at ingress points, while application-level safeguards might involve implementing proper error handling and memory validation routines. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 (Endpoint Denial of Service) highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation and boundary checking mechanisms throughout the software development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that all dependencies, particularly core libraries like libtiff, remain current with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.