CVE-2017-2887 in SDL_image
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the XCF property handling functionality of SDL_image 2.0.1. A specially crafted xcf file can cause a stack-based buffer overflow resulting in potential code execution. An attacker can provide a specially crafted XCF file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2887 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the SDL_image library version 2.0.1, specifically affecting the handling of XCF (eXperimental Computer Format) properties. This issue falls under the CWE-121 category of Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write beyond the allocated memory space on the stack. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes specially crafted XCF files that contain malformed property data, creating a condition where user-supplied input directly overflows the intended buffer boundaries. The XCF format is commonly used for image editing in GIMP and other applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be exploited through image file manipulation in various digital workflows.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of XCF file properties where the SDL_image library fails to properly validate the length of property data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This flaw enables an attacker to craft an XCF file containing oversized property values that exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can overwrite adjacent stack variables, return addresses, and potentially executable code. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates in a context where image files are commonly processed by applications, making it accessible through typical file handling operations. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a code execution vector under technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) or T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) when the vulnerable application processes the malicious file.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2887 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation could result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the vulnerable application. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where SDL_image is used by web applications, media processing systems, or any software that handles user-uploaded image files. The vulnerability affects systems running SDL_image 2.0.1 and earlier versions, including various operating systems and applications that depend on this library for image processing capabilities. Security researchers have noted that the exploitation requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability occurs during file parsing rather than requiring elevated system access. Organizations using SDL_image in their applications should consider the broader implications of this vulnerability, as it could be leveraged in supply chain attacks or as part of multi-stage attack vectors where initial compromise occurs through image file manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2887 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates to SDL_image version 2.0.2 or later, which includes proper bounds checking for XCF property handling. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected applications are updated promptly, particularly those handling user-provided image files. Additional defensive measures include implementing file type validation, content scanning for suspicious XCF files, and restricting application access to only trusted image sources. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of defense by blocking or quarantining suspicious file uploads. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of vulnerable SDL_image versions in their software stacks, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in image processing libraries, as highlighted by industry best practices in secure coding standards and the CWE guidelines for preventing buffer overflow conditions.