CVE-2017-11340 in Exiv2
Summary
by MITRE
There is a Segmentation fault in the XmpParser::terminate() function in Exiv2 0.26, related to an exit call. A Crafted input will lead to a remote denial of service attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11340 represents a critical segmentation fault within the Exiv2 library version 0.26, specifically within the XmpParser::terminate() function. This flaw manifests when the library processes malformed or crafted input data, causing an unexpected exit condition that results in a system crash. The issue stems from improper handling of memory management and execution flow during the termination phase of XMP (Extensible Metadata Platform) parsing operations. When an attacker supplies maliciously constructed metadata within image files or other supported formats, the library fails to properly handle the termination sequence, leading to a segmentation fault that can be exploited to cause remote denial of service conditions. This vulnerability affects systems that rely on Exiv2 for metadata processing, particularly web applications, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms that accept user-uploaded media files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited access scope, and CWE-248, which covers exposure of resource to wrong sphere. The segmentation fault occurs due to an improper exit call within the XmpParser::terminate() function that does not adequately validate input parameters or handle edge cases during cleanup operations. When the library encounters crafted input that triggers the termination routine, the memory management structures become corrupted, leading to an invalid memory access that causes the process to crash. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion or process termination, as the segmentation fault effectively terminates the target process and renders the service unavailable to legitimate users.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11340 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged in sophisticated attack scenarios targeting web applications and services that utilize Exiv2 for image metadata processing. Attackers can craft specially formatted image files containing malicious XMP data that, when processed by vulnerable applications, will trigger the segmentation fault and cause the hosting service to crash. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where automated metadata extraction occurs, such as content management systems, online photo sharing platforms, and digital media processing pipelines. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local access to the target system, making it an attractive vector for widespread service disruption. Organizations using Exiv2 in production environments face significant risk of service availability issues, potential data loss, and reputational damage if this vulnerability remains unaddressed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11340 should prioritize immediate patching of Exiv2 library installations to version 0.27 or later, where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and memory management improvements. System administrators should implement robust input sanitization measures at application layers that utilize Exiv2, including strict validation of metadata content and implementation of timeout mechanisms for metadata processing operations. Network-level protections can include implementing rate limiting and content filtering to prevent malicious files from reaching systems that process metadata. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns consistent with exploitation attempts and establish monitoring protocols for abnormal process termination events. The fix implemented in newer versions addresses the core issue by ensuring proper exit handling and memory cleanup procedures within the XmpParser::terminate() function, preventing the segmentation fault from occurring when processing malformed input data. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all systems and applications that depend on Exiv2 to identify potential exposure points and implement comprehensive monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts.