CVE-2016-7163 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the opj_pi_create_decode function in pi.c in OpenJPEG allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted JP2 file, which triggers an out-of-bounds read or write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7163 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the OpenJPEG library's pi.c file, specifically within the opj_pi_create_decode function. This flaw exists in the JPEG 2000 image decoding implementation and constitutes a security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking during the processing of JP2 file structures, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted image files can trigger memory corruption issues.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs when the function processes certain parameters related to packet information structures within JPEG 2000 files. When an attacker provides a specially crafted JP2 file containing malformed data, the integer overflow causes the calculation of memory allocation sizes to wrap around, resulting in insufficient memory allocation for critical data structures. This misalignment leads to out-of-bounds memory access patterns that can be manipulated to overwrite critical program memory locations or read sensitive data from adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous applications and systems that utilize the OpenJPEG library for image processing, including web browsers, image viewers, document management systems, and server applications that handle user-uploaded image content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by preparing malicious JP2 files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, will cause the target system to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require local access to the target system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for web-facing applications and services.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can result in integer wrapping or truncation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services through crafted input. The attack chain typically involves preparing a malicious JP2 file with carefully constructed packet information structures that trigger the integer overflow during decoding. The resulting memory corruption can be leveraged to achieve code execution through various techniques including return-oriented programming or direct memory overwrite attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7163 primarily focus on immediate patching of the OpenJPEG library to versions that address the integer overflow condition in the pi.c file. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that restrict the types of JP2 files processed by applications, particularly those that do not require full JPEG 2000 functionality. Network-based mitigations can include content filtering systems that scan for known malicious JP2 file patterns, while application-level protections should enforce strict memory access controls and implement sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all systems utilizing OpenJPEG components remain protected against this and similar integer overflow vulnerabilities.