CVE-2017-6852 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the jpc_dec_decodepkt function in jpc_t2dec.c in JasPer 2.0.10 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6852 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the JasPer 2.0.10 image processing library, specifically within the jpc_dec_decodepkt function located in jpc_t2dec.c. This flaw occurs during the decoding process of JPEG 2000 image files, where the software fails to properly validate input data length before attempting to copy data into heap-allocated buffers. The vulnerability arises from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted image files to trigger memory corruption when the decoder attempts to process packet data structures. Attackers can exploit this issue by preparing specially formatted JPEG 2000 images that contain oversized or malformed packet data, causing the application to write beyond allocated memory boundaries and potentially corrupt adjacent heap memory regions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, the buffer overflow can result in arbitrary code execution, denial of service conditions, or information disclosure depending on the specific memory corruption patterns and the target system's memory layout. The impact is particularly severe because JasPer is widely used across various applications including web browsers, image processing software, and multimedia frameworks that handle JPEG 2000 format files. The vulnerability can be triggered remotely through any application or service that utilizes JasPer for image decoding, making it a significant threat vector for web-based attacks where users might unknowingly encounter malicious image files.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6852 extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios to encompass broader security implications for systems relying on JPEG 2000 image processing capabilities. This vulnerability affects multiple software ecosystems including web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox that may use JasPer for image rendering, content management systems, and multimedia applications that process user-uploaded images. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web pages, email attachments, or file sharing systems without requiring local system access. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, "Exploitation for Client Execution," as it enables remote code execution through the processing of crafted image files. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that JPEG 2000 format is used in various enterprise and government applications, potentially affecting critical infrastructure systems that process sensitive imagery data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6852 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to JasPer version 2.0.11 or later, which contains patches specifically designed to address the buffer overflow conditions in the packet decoding routine. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems utilizing JasPer are updated promptly. Additionally, implementing input validation controls and sandboxing mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth protection against potential exploitation attempts. Network-based mitigations include filtering JPEG 2000 files at perimeter defenses and implementing content inspection systems that can detect and block suspicious image file characteristics. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper memory safety practices in image processing libraries and underscores the need for regular security assessments of third-party components. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all systems that utilize JasPer or similar image processing libraries, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability may trigger requirements under cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, which mandate regular vulnerability management and security patching procedures to maintain system integrity and protect against known threats.