CVE-2017-13760 in The Sleuth Kit
Summary
by MITRE
In The Sleuth Kit (TSK) 4.4.2, fls hangs on a corrupt exfat image in tsk_img_read() in tsk/img/img_io.c in libtskimg.a.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13760 affects The Sleuth Kit (TSK) version 4.4.2, specifically within the libtskimg.a library component. This issue manifests as a denial of service condition where the fls utility becomes unresponsive when processing corrupted exFAT file system images. The flaw occurs during the image reading operation within the tsk_img_read() function located in tsk/img/img_io.c, representing a critical weakness in the forensic imaging framework's error handling mechanisms. The exFAT file system format, commonly used in digital forensics for handling large storage devices, becomes a vector for system instability when encountering corrupted data structures.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of corrupted exFAT image data within the image I/O subsystem of TSK. When the fls utility attempts to parse an exFAT image that contains structural corruption, the tsk_img_read() function fails to implement adequate error checking or early termination logic. This results in the utility entering an infinite loop or hanging state, effectively rendering the forensic analysis tool unusable for investigating the corrupted image. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and robust error recovery mechanisms that are essential for forensic tools operating in unpredictable environments where corrupted or malicious data may be encountered.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts digital forensics workflows by creating a potential point of failure in evidence analysis processes. Forensic investigators relying on TSK for examining storage devices may encounter complete tool paralysis when encountering corrupted exFAT images, potentially leading to extended investigation delays and resource allocation issues. The hanging behavior affects not only the fls utility but also potentially other tools within the TSK suite that depend on the same image reading functionality, creating cascading operational impacts. This vulnerability particularly threatens investigations involving mobile devices or storage media where exFAT corruption is more likely to occur due to power failures or hardware malfunctions during data transfer operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which addresses infinite loops or other forms of indefinite looping in software, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1486, where adversaries may attempt to disrupt system operations through resource exhaustion or process hanging. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability as part of broader defensive strategies against denial of service attacks targeting forensic toolchains. The impact extends beyond simple tool unresponsiveness to potentially compromise investigation timelines and evidence integrity, making it a critical concern for organizations maintaining forensic capabilities.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of TSK installations to version 4.4.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper error handling in corrupted exFAT image processing. Organizations should implement defensive programming practices within their forensic workflows, including pre-processing corrupted images through automated validation routines before analysis. Additionally, forensic teams should maintain multiple toolsets and verification procedures to ensure continued operational capability when individual tools encounter specific vulnerabilities. The fix implemented in subsequent versions addresses the core issue by introducing proper error detection and graceful degradation mechanisms within the image reading subsystem, preventing the hanging behavior while maintaining functional integrity of the forensic analysis process.