CVE-2017-14440 in SDL2_image
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the ILBM image rendering functionality of SDL2_image-2.0.2. A specially crafted ILBM image can cause a stack overflow resulting in code execution. An attacker can display a specially crafted image to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14440 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the SDL2_image library version 2.0.2, specifically affecting the ILBM (Interleaved BitMap) image rendering component. This flaw resides in the library's handling of bitmap image formats, where improper bounds checking during image parsing allows maliciously crafted ILBM files to overwrite stack memory. The vulnerability manifests when the library attempts to process malformed image data, particularly in how it manages the interleaved bit planes that characterize ILBM format. The flaw is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient input validation permits arbitrary data to be written beyond the allocated stack buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed ILBM image file that triggers the buffer overflow during rendering operations. When SDL2_image processes such a malformed file, the parsing routine fails to properly validate the image dimensions and data structures, leading to stack corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The attack vector requires user interaction through image display, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted image content. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate memory management within the graphics processing pipeline, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14440 extends across numerous applications that rely on SDL2_image for image handling, including multimedia applications, games, and desktop environments. Systems using affected versions of SDL2_image are susceptible to remote code execution when processing ILBM images, potentially allowing attackers to gain full system control. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges beyond the ability to present a malicious image file, making it particularly dangerous in web-based or user-facing applications. Security researchers have noted that this flaw can be chained with other vulnerabilities to create more sophisticated attack scenarios, and the stack overflow nature provides attackers with predictable memory corruption patterns that facilitate code execution exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate upgrading to SDL2_image version 2.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement input validation controls at application layers to prevent processing of untrusted image files, particularly those with unknown or unverified formats. Network-level filtering can be employed to block ILBM file types when they are not required for legitimate operations. Additionally, application developers should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms and address space layout randomization to complicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia libraries, with implications for the broader software supply chain security landscape.