CVE-2017-12925 in libfpx
Summary
by MITRE
Double free vulnerability in DfFromLB in docfile.cxx in libfpx 1.3.1_p6 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted fpx image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12925 represents a critical double free condition within the libfpx library version 1.3.1_p6, specifically within the DfFromLB function located in the docfile.cxx source file. This flaw manifests as a memory management error that occurs when the same memory block is freed twice during the processing of malformed fpx image files. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and memory handling mechanisms within the library's image parsing routines, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the memory allocation state through crafted malicious input.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to prepare a specially crafted fpx image file that, when processed by any application utilizing libfpx for image handling, triggers the double free condition. This occurs during the document file parsing phase where the library attempts to free memory resources that have already been released, potentially leading to memory corruption and unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-415 as a double free condition, which represents a fundamental memory safety issue that can result in arbitrary code execution or system instability. The flaw demonstrates a classic memory management error pattern where the same memory pointer is passed to the free() function twice without proper allocation checks between the operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process untrusted image files, particularly web applications, content management systems, and document processing services that may be vulnerable to remote exploitation. The impact of a successful attack manifests as a denial of service condition, where the targeted application or system becomes unresponsive or crashes due to the memory corruption caused by the double free. This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments. The attack vector through crafted fpx images means that any system processing such files could be compromised, including email servers, web servers, and file sharing platforms.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2017-12925 involves immediate patching of the libfpx library to version 1.3.1_p7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the double free condition. System administrators should prioritize updating all applications and services that depend on libfpx to ensure complete protection against this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth protection, particularly in environments where patching may be delayed. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure to potentially malicious fpx files, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory allocation patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing application sandboxing techniques and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar memory safety vulnerabilities within their software ecosystems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through memory corruption and T1499.004 for denial of service attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management and security hardening practices.