CVE-2017-13752 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
There is a reachable assertion abort in the function jpc_dequantize() in jpc/jpc_dec.c in JasPer 2.0.12 that will lead to a remote denial of service attack.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13752 represents a critical remote denial of service flaw within the JasPer 2.0.12 image processing library. This issue manifests in the jpc_dequantize() function located within the jpc/jpc_dec.c source file, where a reachable assertion abort occurs during the decoding process of JPEG 2000 compressed images. The flaw arises when maliciously crafted JPEG 2000 files are processed by applications utilizing this library, potentially causing the target system to terminate unexpectedly and deny service to legitimate users. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear path for remote exploitation, as attackers can craft specific input data that triggers the assertion failure during image decompression operations.
This technical flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and memory handling within the JPEG 2000 decoding pipeline. The assertion abort occurs when the jpc_dequantize() function encounters unexpected or malformed data structures during the dequantization phase of JPEG 2000 decoding. The function fails to properly validate input parameters before proceeding with operations that assume certain data characteristics. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-617: Reachable Assertion, which describes situations where assertions can be triggered through external input, leading to program termination. The issue is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it accessible to any attacker capable of delivering malicious JPEG 2000 files to a vulnerable system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader security implications for systems relying on JasPer for image processing. When exploited, the assertion abort causes the affected application to crash or terminate abruptly, leading to denial of service conditions that can persist until the application is manually restarted or the system is rebooted. This affects a wide range of applications including web servers, image processing services, and document management systems that utilize JasPer for JPEG 2000 format support. The vulnerability affects the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as it directly compromises the system's ability to provide continuous service to legitimate users. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, representing a specific technique for causing service disruption through software flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13752 should focus on immediate remediation through library updates and input validation enhancements. The primary solution involves upgrading to JasPer versions that contain the patched implementation of the jpc_dequantize() function, where proper input validation has been implemented to prevent assertion failures. Organizations should also implement defensive programming practices such as input sanitization and robust error handling before image processing operations can be performed. Additional protective measures include deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious JPEG 2000 file transfers, implementing application-level sandboxing for image processing operations, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect unusual application termination patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing rate limiting and file type validation at network boundaries to prevent exploitation attempts from reaching vulnerable applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough input validation and proper error handling in cryptographic and image processing libraries, particularly those handling complex binary formats that require extensive parsing and validation steps.