CVE-2016-6352 in gdk-pixbuf
Summary
by MITRE
The OneLine32 function in io-ico.c in gdk-pixbuf before 2.35.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds write and crash) via crafted dimensions in an ICO file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6352 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the gdk-pixbuf library's ICO file processing functionality. This issue affects versions prior to 2.35.3 and specifically targets the OneLine32 function located in the io-ico.c source file. The vulnerability arises when the library processes specially crafted ICO files containing malformed dimension parameters, creating a scenario where memory access occurs beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Such flaws typically stem from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within image processing libraries that handle various graphic formats.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of ICO file headers, particularly the width and height fields that define the image dimensions. When the OneLine32 function processes these malformed dimensions, it fails to properly validate the input parameters against the actual buffer size, leading to memory corruption. The out-of-bounds write condition can result in arbitrary code execution or complete application crash, depending on the memory layout and the specific nature of the overflow. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" and represents a fundamental weakness in memory safety practices within image processing libraries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise systems that utilize gdk-pixbuf for image handling. Applications that process user-uploaded ICO files or fetch images from untrusted sources become vulnerable to this attack vector, potentially leading to system instability, application crashes, or even privilege escalation in certain scenarios. The vulnerability affects a wide range of software including web browsers, image viewers, and desktop applications that depend on the gdk-pixbuf library for graphic processing. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple applications may be vulnerable to the same attack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6352 primarily involve updating to gdk-pixbuf version 2.35.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize patching affected applications and ensure that all dependencies are updated to versions that address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection, particularly for legacy systems where immediate patching is not feasible. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: "Exploitation for Client Execution" and demonstrates the importance of validating image file metadata before processing, as specified in security frameworks like the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.