CVE-2017-14628 in xloadimage
Summary
by MITRE
In sam2p 0.49.3, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the pcxLoadImage24 function of the file in_pcx.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14628 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the sam2p 0.49.3 software suite, specifically manifesting in the pcxLoadImage24 function located within the in_pcx.cpp source file. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and memory management practices when processing PCX image files, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's memory handling mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when more data is written to a buffer allocated on the heap than the buffer can accommodate, leading to memory corruption and potential arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability hinges on the improper handling of image data during the PCX file parsing process. When sam2p processes a specially crafted PCX file, the pcxLoadImage24 function fails to properly validate the dimensions and data structures contained within the file header, allowing an attacker to manipulate the buffer allocation size and subsequently write beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This flaw operates under the principle of memory safety violations where the application does not perform adequate bounds checking before writing data to heap-allocated memory regions, making it susceptible to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially corrupting critical program data or execution control structures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it presents a significant security risk to systems processing PCX image files through the affected sam2p software. An attacker could leverage this buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code within the context of the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the target system to process a maliciously crafted PCX file, which could occur through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently process third-party image files without proper security screening.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14628 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the heap buffer overflow issue, as the most effective solution involves patching the underlying code to implement proper input validation and memory boundary checking. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as input sanitization, file format validation, and restricted file processing capabilities to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, legitimate program execution, where attackers leverage legitimate software to execute malicious code. Security teams should monitor for suspicious file processing activities and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that sam2p processes run with minimal required permissions and access rights.