CVE-2016-9390 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
The jas_seq2d_create function in jas_seq.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 • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9390 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the JasPer image processing library, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.900.14. This flaw exists within the jas_seq2d_create function located in the jas_seq.c source file, demonstrating a classic assertion failure scenario that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors. The JasPer library serves as a comprehensive software solution for handling JPEG 2000 image formats, making it a widely deployed component in various applications including web servers, image processing systems, and multimedia platforms that handle user-uploaded content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the jas_seq2d_create function, which fails to properly handle malformed or crafted image data structures. When a remote attacker submits a specially constructed image file that triggers an assertion failure within the library's sequence creation routine, the application crashes or becomes unresponsive, effectively rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users. This assertion failure occurs during the processing of image metadata or structural elements that the library does not adequately validate before attempting to create sequence data structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal image processing workflows without requiring special privileges or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9390 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged in broader attack scenarios within the context of the attack chain. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, potentially enabling attackers to consume system resources or cause cascading failures in applications that rely on JasPer for image processing. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems without physical access, making it particularly concerning for web applications that process user-uploaded images. Organizations deploying applications that utilize JasPer for image handling face significant risk of service interruption, which can lead to business disruption, reputational damage, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper error handling and input validation in security-critical libraries that handle untrusted data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected JasPer installations to version 1.900.14 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the assertion failure. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures for all image uploads, including file format checking, size limitations, and content analysis to prevent malformed files from reaching the processing layer. Additionally, network segmentation and application firewalls can help limit the attack surface by restricting access to image processing endpoints. From a defensive standpoint, implementing proper error handling and graceful degradation mechanisms within applications that utilize JasPer can help prevent complete service outages even if the underlying library is exploited. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild. This case exemplifies the broader security principle that input validation and proper error handling are fundamental requirements for preventing denial of service conditions in security-critical software components. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-617, which addresses reachable assertions, underscores the need for developers to implement robust validation mechanisms and avoid relying on assertions as primary security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting systems to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.