CVE-2017-14866 in Exiv2
Summary
by MITRE
There is a heap-based buffer overflow in the Exiv2::s2Data function of types.cpp in Exiv2 0.26. A Crafted input will lead to a denial of service attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14866 resides within the Exiv2 image metadata processing library version 0.26, specifically within the Exiv2::s2Data function located in the types.cpp source file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that can be exploited through carefully crafted input data, potentially leading to system compromise or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes image metadata, particularly in scenarios involving malformed or maliciously constructed image files that contain crafted input parameters designed to trigger the buffer overflow condition.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and memory management within the Exiv2::s2Data function, which fails to adequately check buffer boundaries when processing string data from image metadata. This function appears to handle data conversion operations that involve heap-allocated memory regions, where the size calculations or bounds checking mechanisms are insufficient to prevent overflows. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory safety and input validation, creating an environment where malicious input can overwrite adjacent heap memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a classic example of insufficient boundary checking in memory management operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of Exiv2. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause application crashes, memory corruption, or potentially allow remote code execution depending on the specific attack vector and system configuration. Systems utilizing Exiv2 for image processing, particularly those handling untrusted image files from web applications, email attachments, or user uploads, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that depend on Exiv2 for metadata extraction and processing, including content management systems, image processing libraries, digital asset management platforms, and security scanning tools that utilize Exiv2 for file analysis.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14866 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Exiv2 installations to version 0.27 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through improved input validation and memory boundary checks. Organizations should implement robust input sanitization measures, particularly for image metadata processing, and consider deploying application-level sandboxes or containerization techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to prevent unauthorized upload or processing of image files from untrusted sources. Security monitoring should include detection of abnormal memory usage patterns or application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should verify that all Exiv2-dependent applications have been updated to secure versions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 and T1059 techniques, representing exploitation through malicious file processing and command execution, respectively, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains.