CVE-2017-17480 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenJPEG 2.3.0, a stack-based buffer overflow was discovered in the pgxtovolume function in jp3d/convert.c. The vulnerability causes an out-of-bounds write, which may lead to remote denial of service or possibly remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17480 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the OpenJPEG 2.3.0 library, specifically within the pgxtovolume function located in the jp3d/convert.c source file. This flaw demonstrates a classic software security issue where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to system instability or unauthorized code execution. The OpenJPEG library serves as a widely-used open-source implementation for handling jpeg2000 image format processing, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for applications that process untrusted image data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the pgxtovolume function which processes 3D image data conversion operations. When processing malformed or specially crafted pgx files, the function fails to validate array indices or buffer sizes before performing memory writes, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite stack memory regions. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw operates through a straightforward mechanism where the application's stack memory layout is compromised, allowing for potential exploitation through controlled data injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17480 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities, making it a significant threat to systems that process untrusted image content. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious pgx files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, would trigger the buffer overflow condition. The remote exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through software vulnerabilities. Systems utilizing OpenJPEG for image processing, including web applications, image servers, and document management systems, would be at risk, potentially leading to complete system compromise or service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected OpenJPEG installations to version 2.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement robust input validation procedures for all image file processing operations, including the use of sandboxed execution environments and strict file format validation. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual image processing activities and potential exploitation attempts targeting vulnerable applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries, as this flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation issues can result in severe security consequences.