CVE-2016-8887 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
The jp2_colr_destroy function in libjasper/jp2/jp2_cod.c in JasPer before 1.900.10 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8887 resides within the JasPer library version 1.900.9 and earlier, specifically in the jp2_colr_destroy function located in libjasper/jp2/jp2_cod.c. This issue represents a critical denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers to crash applications utilizing the affected library. The flaw manifests as a NULL pointer dereference, indicating that the function fails to properly validate input parameters before attempting to access memory locations, thereby creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for system disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the jp2_colr_destroy function processes malformed JPEG 2000 color profile data without adequate null checks. When the function attempts to dereference a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been set to NULL, the application experiences an abrupt termination due to a segmentation fault or access violation. This behavior aligns with CWE-476, which categorizes NULL pointer dereference as a common weakness in software security that can lead to application crashes and potential information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because JPEG 2000 format support is widely implemented in multimedia applications, image processing software, and content management systems, making the attack surface extensive.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8887 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can be exploited in various contexts including web applications, file processing systems, and multimedia frameworks that depend on JasPer for image format handling. Attackers can craft malicious JPEG 2000 files designed to trigger the NULL pointer dereference when processed by vulnerable applications, resulting in complete service unavailability. This vulnerability can be particularly devastating in environments where continuous availability is critical such as web servers, content delivery networks, or enterprise document management systems. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it highly dangerous for publicly accessible services. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1595.001 which involves reconnaissance for vulnerabilities in externally exposed systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8887 focus primarily on updating to JasPer version 1.900.10 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the NULL pointer dereference issue. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and services utilizing the affected library, particularly those handling user-uploaded content or external file processing. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth protection against malformed JPEG 2000 files. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted networks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security patch management and software updates as recommended by NIST guidelines for maintaining secure software environments. Organizations should consider implementing automated monitoring systems to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts targeting this and similar vulnerabilities.