CVE-2017-14152 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
A mishandled zero case was discovered in opj_j2k_set_cinema_parameters in lib/openjp2/j2k.c in OpenJPEG 2.2.0. The vulnerability causes an out-of-bounds write, which may lead to remote denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow affecting opj_write_bytes_LE in lib/openjp2/cio.c and opj_j2k_write_sot in lib/openjp2/j2k.c) or possibly remote code execution.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14152 represents a critical buffer overflow issue within the OpenJPEG 2.2.0 library, specifically within the j2k.c source file. This flaw manifests in the opj_j2k_set_cinema_parameters function where a zero case is mishandled, creating a condition that allows attackers to manipulate memory allocation patterns. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking when processing cinema-related JPEG 2000 parameters, particularly affecting the handling of zero-valued parameters that should be properly validated before memory operations occur. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests as a heap-based issue due to the nature of memory allocation in the affected functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious JPEG 2000 file containing malformed cinema parameters that trigger the zero case handling error. When the opj_j2k_set_cinema_parameters function processes these inputs, it fails to properly validate that the zero case does not lead to memory corruption. This mismanagement results in an out-of-bounds write operation that affects memory regions controlled by opj_write_bytes_LE and opj_j2k_write_sot functions within the same library. The heap-based buffer overflow can be leveraged to corrupt adjacent memory structures, potentially causing application crashes or more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries manipulate application memory to achieve remote code execution through buffer overflow exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14152 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential pathway for remote code execution in systems that process JPEG 2000 images. Applications using OpenJPEG 2.2.0 for image processing, including web browsers, image viewers, document management systems, and multimedia applications, could be vulnerable to remote exploitation. The vulnerability affects systems across multiple platforms where OpenJPEG is integrated, including but not limited to Windows, Linux, and macOS environments. Attackers could leverage this flaw by delivering malicious JPEG 2000 files through various attack vectors such as web downloads, email attachments, or file sharing platforms. The memory corruption effects can be particularly dangerous in server environments where image processing is automated, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the affected application. Organizations using vulnerable versions of OpenJPEG should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, library updates, and network segmentation to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management and boundary checking in cryptographic and image processing libraries, as these components often handle untrusted input from external sources and require robust error handling to prevent exploitation.