CVE-2016-9395 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
The jas_seq2d_create function in jas_seq.c in JasPer before 1.900.25 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (assertion failure) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9395 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the JasPer image processing library, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.900.25. This issue resides in the jas_seq2d_create function located within the jas_seq.c source file, demonstrating a classic assertion failure condition that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors. The JasPer library serves as a comprehensive toolkit for handling JPEG 2000 image formats and is widely integrated into various software applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective. The flaw manifests when the library processes specially crafted image files that trigger an assertion failure within the sequence creation function, effectively crashing the application and rendering it unavailable to legitimate users. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of software reliability issues and can be classified as a CWE-611: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, though more specifically aligns with CWE-119: Improper Access to Memory Locations and CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow in its operational manifestation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious image file that, when processed by an application utilizing the vulnerable JasPer library, will trigger the assertion failure within the jas_seq2d_create function. This function is responsible for creating two-dimensional sequences within the library's memory management system, and the flaw occurs when the library fails to properly validate input parameters during sequence creation. The assertion failure typically results in an application crash or termination, as the software cannot gracefully handle the malformed input data. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including web application exploitation, where users upload images that trigger the flaw, or in network-based attacks where malicious files are transmitted to systems using vulnerable software. The attack surface expands significantly given that JasPer is integrated into numerous applications including web browsers, image viewers, and document processing systems, making the potential impact of this vulnerability widespread across different software ecosystems.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9395 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader security implications within software supply chains and application reliability frameworks. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to persistent denial of service conditions that may require manual intervention to restore service, potentially affecting critical applications such as medical imaging systems, financial document processing platforms, or any environment where continuous availability is paramount. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to target systems, significantly increasing the attack surface and making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications process untrusted user input. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, specifically targeting application availability through software flaw exploitation. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1595.001: Network Denial of Service, where network-based attacks can be constructed to leverage the flaw against systems processing image files. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of JasPer should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader risk assessment, particularly in environments where image processing is a core function and where the library is used in applications that cannot tolerate service interruptions.
The recommended mitigation strategy for CVE-2016-9395 involves immediate upgrade to JasPer version 1.900.25 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the assertion failure condition in the jas_seq2d_create function. System administrators should also implement input validation measures to filter potentially malicious image files before processing, though this approach provides only partial protection as the vulnerability exists within the core library functionality. Additional defensive measures include implementing application sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of potential exploitation, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential flaws in image processing pipelines. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all systems utilizing vulnerable libraries. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust software supply chain security practices to prevent exploitation of known flaws in widely-used components.