CVE-2016-9262 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the (1) jas_realloc function in base/jas_malloc.c and (2) mem_resize function in base/jas_stream.c in JasPer before 1.900.22 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted image, which triggers use after free vulnerabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9262 represents a critical security flaw in the JasPer image processing library affecting versions prior to 1.900.22. This issue stems from integer overflow conditions that occur within two distinct memory management functions, specifically jas_realloc in base/jas_malloc.c and mem_resize in base/jas_stream.c. These functions are fundamental components responsible for dynamic memory allocation and deallocation during image processing operations, making them prime targets for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to disrupt system stability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper bounds checking in integer arithmetic operations within the memory management routines. When processing crafted image files, the jas_realloc and mem_resize functions receive input parameters that, when subjected to arithmetic operations, exceed the maximum representable value for integer data types. This overflow condition results in incorrect memory allocation calculations, leading to scenarios where memory is either allocated with insufficient space or improperly managed. The resulting memory corruption creates use-after-free conditions where previously deallocated memory blocks are accessed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory contents or trigger system crashes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant denial of service risk that can be exploited remotely through crafted image files. Attackers can leverage this flaw by preparing specially formatted image files that, when processed by applications using the vulnerable JasPer library, will trigger the integer overflow conditions. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the use-after-free conditions can potentially be escalated to more severe outcomes including arbitrary code execution in certain scenarios. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on JasPer for image processing, including web applications, image servers, and document processing systems that handle user-uploaded image content.
The security implications of CVE-2016-9262 align with CWE-190, which identifies integer overflow vulnerabilities as a common class of flaws that can lead to memory corruption and system instability. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities for denial of service attacks, and potentially T1059 for command execution if the use-after-free conditions can be leveraged for code execution. Organizations utilizing affected systems should prioritize immediate patching to address the integer overflow conditions in both jas_realloc and mem_resize functions, as these memory management routines are critical to the proper functioning of image processing pipelines and represent a significant attack surface for remote exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment to JasPer version 1.900.22 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and integer overflow protection in the affected memory management functions. Additionally, implementing input validation measures that restrict image file formats and sizes can reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and access controls should be employed to limit exposure of systems processing image content. Regular security assessments of image processing pipelines and monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust memory management practices and proper integer overflow protection in security-critical libraries, particularly those handling untrusted input data such as image files.