CVE-2017-2870 in gdk-pixbuf
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable integer overflow vulnerability exists in the tiff_image_parse functionality of Gdk-Pixbuf 2.36.6 when compiled with Clang. A specially crafted tiff file can cause a heap-overflow resulting in remote code execution. An attacker can send a file or a URL to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2017-2870 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Gdk-Pixbuf version 2.36.6, specifically within the tiff_image_parse functionality that processes tagged image file format images. This vulnerability manifests when the library processes malformed TIFF files through Clang-compiled builds, creating a condition where integer arithmetic operations exceed their maximum representable values, leading to unpredictable behavior. The flaw resides in how the library handles dimension calculations during TIFF image parsing, particularly when processing image width and height parameters that can be manipulated to cause overflow conditions. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in software arithmetic operations that can lead to memory corruption. The issue demonstrates the dangerous intersection of compiler-specific behavior and memory management flaws, where Clang's optimization patterns may exacerbate the vulnerability by creating conditions where integer overflow translates directly into heap-based memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to enable full remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in web-based and file processing environments. When an attacker crafts a malicious TIFF file with carefully manipulated dimension values, the overflow condition causes heap memory to be allocated with incorrect sizes, potentially leading to buffer overflows that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The heap overflow creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program execution flow through memory corruption techniques that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. The vulnerability's trigger mechanism is particularly insidious because it can be activated through multiple vectors including direct file delivery or URL-based access, making it applicable to web browsers, image viewers, and any application that utilizes Gdk-Pixbuf for image processing. This broad attack surface makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter malicious TIFF files through email attachments, web browsing, or file sharing systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2870 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader architectural concerns in image processing libraries. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to Gdk-Pixbuf versions that contain patches for this specific integer overflow condition, typically versions 2.36.7 or later where the dimension validation logic has been strengthened to prevent arithmetic overflow conditions. System administrators should implement defensive measures including sandboxing image processing applications, implementing strict file type validation, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious TIFF file patterns. Additionally, developers should incorporate input validation checks that explicitly verify image dimensions before processing, implement bounds checking for all arithmetic operations involving image parameters, and consider using compiler flags that enable additional overflow detection mechanisms such as -fsanitize=integer for Clang builds. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper integer handling in security-critical libraries and demonstrates how seemingly benign image processing operations can become attack vectors when proper input validation is lacking. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of vulnerable libraries, particularly those that form part of core desktop environments or web applications that process untrusted image content.