CVE-2016-9600 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
JasPer before version 2.0.10 is vulnerable to a null pointer dereference was found in the decoded creation of JPEG 2000 image files. A specially crafted file could cause an application using JasPer to crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9600 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the JasPer library version 2.0.10 and earlier, specifically affecting the decoding process of JPEG 2000 image files. This issue stems from inadequate input validation during the creation of decoded image objects, where the library fails to properly handle malformed or specially crafted JPEG 2000 files that contain null pointers in their structure. The vulnerability manifests when applications utilizing JasPer for image processing encounter maliciously constructed JPEG 2000 files, leading to abrupt application termination through segmentation faults or access violations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs during the image decoding phase where JasPer attempts to create decoded image objects without sufficient null pointer checks. When processing a crafted JPEG 2000 file, the library's internal functions encounter unexpected null references that have not been properly validated or handled, resulting in a direct dereference of null pointers. This flaw maps directly to CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities in software libraries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because JPEG 2000 is widely used in professional imaging applications, medical imaging systems, and digital photography software that rely on JasPer for image format support.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9600 extends beyond simple application crashes, potentially enabling denial of service attacks against systems that process JPEG 2000 images. Attackers can craft malicious files that trigger the null pointer dereference, causing applications such as image viewers, document management systems, and medical imaging software to crash repeatedly. This vulnerability affects not only end-user applications but also server-side systems that process uploaded images, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt services through sustained denial of service attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through simple file uploads or image processing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9600 primarily involve upgrading to JasPer version 2.0.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the null pointer dereference issue. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected applications that utilize JasPer libraries, particularly those handling user-uploaded content or processing external image files. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation for JPEG 2000 files, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations, and establishing robust monitoring for application crashes or abnormal behavior. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file upload patterns and automated scanning of image files for potential malicious content. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue places it within the scope of security controls recommended by NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for protecting against software vulnerabilities in critical systems.