CVE-2017-14449 in SDL2_image
Summary
by MITRE
A double-Free vulnerability exists in the XCF image rendering functionality of SDL2_image-2.0.2. A specially crafted XCF image can cause a Double-Free situation to occur. 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-2017-14449 represents a critical double-free condition within the SDL2_image library version 2.0.2, specifically affecting the XCF image format rendering component. This flaw resides in the handling of GIMP interchange format files, which are commonly used for image editing and storage in professional graphic design environments. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes malformed XCF images that contain crafted memory allocation patterns designed to exploit memory management weaknesses in the software's image parsing routines.
The technical implementation of this double-free vulnerability occurs during the memory management operations of the XCF parser within SDL2_image. When processing a maliciously constructed XCF file, the library's memory allocation and deallocation functions execute in a sequence that results in the same memory block being freed twice. This condition typically arises from improper error handling within the image parsing logic where multiple code paths lead to the same memory deallocation operation. The flaw is categorized under CWE-415 as an improper double-free condition, which directly enables memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized system access or execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics aligned with the attack pattern described in ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution through memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates potential for remote code execution when the affected SDL2_image library is used in applications that process untrusted image files. Systems utilizing SDL2_image for image rendering in gaming applications, multimedia frameworks, or graphic design software become vulnerable when they encounter malicious XCF files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where users can upload or receive image files from untrusted sources, such as web applications, social media platforms, or collaborative design tools. Attackers can craft XCF files with specific memory allocation patterns that, when loaded by vulnerable applications, trigger the double-free condition and potentially allow for arbitrary code execution in the context of the running application. This represents a significant security risk for applications that do not implement proper input validation or memory management safeguards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14449 require immediate updates to SDL2_image library versions that contain the patched memory management routines. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to SDL2_image version 2.0.3 or later, which includes fixes for the double-free condition in XCF parsing. Additionally, implementing proper input validation measures can help reduce the attack surface by sanitizing image file inputs before processing. Security teams should consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious image file patterns, while application developers should implement proper error handling and memory management practices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining updated third-party libraries and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures that include memory corruption vulnerability assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for image processing operations and establishing secure coding practices that prevent improper memory deallocation patterns in their applications.