CVE-2016-8332 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow in OpenJPEG 2.1.1 causes arbitrary code execution when parsing a crafted image. An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the jpeg2000 image file format parser as implemented in the OpenJpeg library. A specially crafted jpeg2000 file can cause an out of bound heap write resulting in heap corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. For a successful attack, the target user needs to open a malicious jpeg2000 file. The jpeg2000 image file format is mostly used for embedding images inside PDF documents and the OpenJpeg library is used by a number of popular PDF renderers making PDF documents a likely attack vector.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8332 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the OpenJPEG 2.1.1 library implementation that specifically affects the jpeg2000 image file format parser. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices during the parsing of maliciously crafted jpeg2000 files, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds heap write operation that directly corrupts heap memory structures, providing attackers with the means to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning due to the widespread adoption of OpenJPEG across numerous software applications and PDF rendering engines, making it a prime target for exploitation in real-world scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the jpeg2000 parser component of OpenJPEG where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to craft a specially formatted image file that triggers memory corruption during the parsing process. When a target system attempts to process the malicious jpeg2000 file, the parser fails to properly validate array indices or buffer sizes, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow condition. This heap corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the heap corruption aspect makes it particularly dangerous for exploitation in modern memory protection environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8332 extends far beyond individual system compromises, as the OpenJPEG library serves as a foundational component in numerous PDF rendering applications including popular web browsers, document viewers, and office suites. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by embedding malicious jpeg2000 images within PDF documents, which then executes when users open the compromised documents. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002 for legitimate user execution, where adversaries leverage user interaction to deliver payloads. The widespread use of PDF documents in corporate environments, email systems, and web applications creates an extensive attack surface where this vulnerability can be exploited at scale, potentially compromising entire networks through a single compromised document.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8332 require immediate patching of affected OpenJPEG library versions to address the buffer overflow conditions in the jpeg2000 parser implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive software update management procedures to ensure all systems utilizing OpenJPEG are running patched versions that include proper bounds checking and memory validation controls. Additional defensive measures include implementing content filtering solutions that scan PDF documents for suspicious image content, deploying sandboxing technologies for PDF processing, and establishing user education programs to avoid opening untrusted documents. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for known malicious payload patterns associated with this vulnerability. The remediation process must also consider the dependency chain of affected applications, ensuring that all PDF rendering engines and document processing software are updated to prevent exploitation through any potential attack vectors within the OpenJPEG library ecosystem.