CVE-2016-9116 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
NULL Pointer Access in function imagetopnm of convert.c:2226(jp2) in OpenJPEG 2.1.2. Impact is Denial of Service. Someone must open a crafted j2k file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9116 represents a critical NULL pointer access flaw within the OpenJPEG 2.1.2 library, specifically within the imagetopnm function located in the convert.c file at line 2226. This issue affects the JP2 file format processing component of the library, which is widely used for handling JPEG 2000 image files in various applications and systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the image conversion routine that processes JP2 files, creating a scenario where a maliciously crafted J2K file can trigger unexpected behavior in the processing pipeline.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the imagetopnm function attempts to access a NULL pointer during the conversion process of JP2 files. At line 2226 in convert.c, the code fails to properly validate or initialize certain variables that are essential for the function's operation. When a specially crafted J2K file is processed, the function encounters a NULL reference that leads to a segmentation fault or access violation. This particular flaw falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions that can lead to system instability and denial of service scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond simply opening or processing the malicious file, making it an effective vector for remote exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9116 manifests primarily as a denial of service condition that can disrupt legitimate image processing operations. When a vulnerable application attempts to process a crafted JP2 file, the system will likely crash or become unresponsive, effectively preventing further processing of images until the application is restarted or the system is rebooted. This vulnerability affects numerous applications that depend on OpenJPEG for image handling, including web servers, image processing software, and document management systems. The flaw can be exploited in various attack scenarios where an attacker can convince a victim to open a malicious file, potentially leading to service disruption across multiple systems that utilize the affected library.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK framework tactics, particularly the privilege escalation and denial of service categories. The vulnerability can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain where initial access might be gained through other vectors, and this flaw could be used to maintain persistence or escalate privileges by causing system instability. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of OpenJPEG to version 2.2.0 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper NULL pointer validation and initialization of variables. Organizations should also implement file validation procedures that scan for potentially malicious image files before processing, and consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file patterns. Additionally, application developers should ensure that their software implements proper error handling and input validation when integrating OpenJPEG libraries to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their own codebases.