CVE-2016-9388 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
The ras_getcmap function in ras_dec.c in JasPer before 1.900.14 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (assertion failure) via a crafted image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9388 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the JasPer image processing library, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.900.14. This issue resides in the ras_getcmap function located within the ras_dec.c file, which is responsible for handling raster image decoding operations. The flaw manifests when the library processes malformed or crafted image files, leading to an assertion failure that terminates the application process. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in environments where JasPer is used as a core component for image processing, as they can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt service availability without requiring authentication or elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the raster image decoding pipeline. When the ras_getcmap function encounters a specially crafted image file, it fails to properly validate the color map data structure, resulting in an assertion failure that causes the application to crash. This type of flaw falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, and represents a classic example of a buffer over-read or invalid memory access condition. The assertion failure occurs during the image decompression phase, where the library expects certain data formats and structures that are not present in maliciously constructed files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through exploitation of software flaws.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9388 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect any application or system that relies on JasPer for image processing capabilities. Web servers, image processing applications, and multimedia platforms that utilize this library become vulnerable to remote exploitation, potentially allowing attackers to cause widespread service outages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it an attractive target for automated attack scripts. Systems that process user-uploaded images or handle external image data sources are at heightened risk, as attackers can craft malicious files that trigger the assertion failure during normal image processing operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate patching of the JasPer library to version 1.900.14 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the assertion failure condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures to identify all systems utilizing affected versions of JasPer and prioritize their remediation. Network segmentation and input validation controls can provide additional layers of defense by filtering potentially malicious image files before they reach the vulnerable library. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual application termination patterns or assertion failures that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing or containerization for image processing components can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts and provide isolation from critical system resources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation and error handling in multimedia processing libraries, as highlighted by industry best practices in secure coding standards and the CWE guidelines for preventing assertion failures and improper input validation scenarios.