CVE-2016-9112 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
Floating Point Exception (aka FPE or divide by zero) in opj_pi_next_cprl function in openjp2/pi.c:523 in OpenJPEG 2.1.2.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9112 represents a critical floating point exception flaw within the OpenJPEG 2.1.2 library, specifically within the opj_pi_next_cprl function located in the openjp2/pi.c file at line 523. This issue manifests as a divide by zero error that can lead to application crashes and potential denial of service conditions. The OpenJPEG library serves as a crucial component for handling jpeg2000 image format processing across numerous applications and systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective. The flaw occurs during the processing of jpeg2000 streams where the library attempts to perform division operations without proper validation of denominator values, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through malformed input data.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the pi_next_cprl function which processes packet information during jpeg2000 decoding operations. When processing compressed jpeg2000 data streams, the function performs mathematical operations that require division by values which may not be properly validated for zero or invalid states. This particular instance falls under CWE-369, known as Divide by Zero, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices. The vulnerability operates at the core of the jpeg2000 decoding pipeline where packet information is parsed and processed, making it a fundamental flaw in the library's error handling mechanisms. The specific line 523 in openjp2/pi.c contains the problematic division operation that lacks proper boundary checking, allowing attackers to craft malicious jpeg2000 files that trigger the floating point exception.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be leveraged for denial of service attacks against systems that rely on OpenJPEG for image processing capabilities. Any application utilizing OpenJPEG 2.1.2 for handling jpeg2000 files becomes potentially vulnerable to this condition, including web applications, image processing servers, and multimedia frameworks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal effort from an attacker who only needs to craft a specially formatted jpeg2000 file that causes the division by zero condition during processing. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web uploads, file processing services, or any system that accepts and processes jpeg2000 image data. The potential for remote code execution remains limited in this specific case, but the reliability of the crash condition makes it a valuable tool for disrupting service availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9112 primarily focus on immediate library updates to versions that have addressed this specific divide by zero condition. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to OpenJPEG versions that contain the patched opj_pi_next_cprl function with proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at the application level can provide defense in depth, ensuring that jpeg2000 files are properly sanitized before being passed to the OpenJPEG library. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 sub-technique for Network Denial of Service, as it enables adversaries to disrupt services through resource exhaustion or application crashes. Organizations should also consider implementing proper exception handling and error recovery mechanisms within their applications that utilize OpenJPEG, as these can help prevent cascading failures when such exceptions occur. Monitoring and logging of image processing activities can also aid in detecting potential exploitation attempts, while network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of successful attacks against vulnerable systems.