CVE-2016-9453 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
The t2p_readwrite_pdf_image_tile function in LibTIFF allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds write and crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a JPEG file with a TIFFTAG_JPEGTABLES of length one.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9453 resides within the LibTIFF library's t2p_readwrite_pdf_image_tile function, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate the library's behavior through crafted JPEG files. This issue manifests when processing TIFF files containing a TIFFTAG_JPEGTABLES tag with a length of exactly one byte, creating a scenario where the library fails to properly validate input parameters before attempting memory operations. The flaw constitutes a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that can be exploited to trigger out-of-bounds write operations, ultimately leading to system instability and potential code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the LibTIFF library's handling of JPEG compression data within TIFF containers. When the t2p_readwrite_pdf_image_tile function processes a TIFF file with a malformed JPEGTABLES tag of length one, the library's memory management routines fail to validate the expected data structure, causing the program to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 weakness category, specifically addressing out-of-bounds write conditions that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables an attacker to potentially execute malicious code through the library's improper memory handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9453 extends across numerous applications that rely on LibTIFF for image processing, including document management systems, graphic design software, and web applications that handle TIFF file uploads. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a specially crafted TIFF file containing a malformed JPEGTABLES tag, which then triggers the out-of-bounds write condition during processing. The consequences include complete system denial of service through application crashes, potential privilege escalation, and in some cases, arbitrary code execution on the target system. This vulnerability affects systems where LibTIFF is used as a dependency for image processing, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user-uploaded content is processed without proper validation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected LibTIFF versions to address the buffer overflow condition in the t2p_readwrite_pdf_image_tile function. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that verify the length and structure of TIFFTAG_JPEGTABLES tags before processing, ensuring that all external inputs undergo proper sanitization. Additionally, deploying network segmentation and access controls can limit the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify that all applications using LibTIFF have been updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious file upload patterns and maintain regular backups to ensure quick recovery from potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a high-severity issue according to CVSS v3.0 underscores the necessity for immediate remediation actions to protect against potential exploitation by threat actors.