CVE-2017-7231 in pngdefry
Summary
by MITRE
pngdefry through 2017-03-22 is prone to a heap-based buffer-overflow vulnerability because it fails to properly process a specially crafted png file. This issue affects the 'process()' function of the 'pngdefry.c' source file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2020
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7231 affects the pngdefry utility version 2017-03-22 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in image processing software. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing specially crafted png files, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The flaw specifically manifests within the process() function of the pngdefry.c source file, where insufficient boundary checks allow malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of improper input sanitization where the application fails to validate the size and structure of incoming png data before attempting to process it. This particular implementation flaw creates a scenario where an attacker can craft a malicious png file that, when processed by the vulnerable software, triggers the buffer overflow condition. The heap memory corruption occurs because the application allocates memory based on assumptions about the input data size that are violated when encountering crafted malicious content. The security implications extend beyond simple denial of service, as this type of vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the context of the application's privileges. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on pngdefry for image processing tasks, particularly those handling untrusted image files from external sources or user uploads. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python and T1550.001 Use of stolen credentials, as exploitation could lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized access to system resources. The issue highlights the importance of proper memory management and input validation in image processing applications, particularly those handling binary formats that require extensive parsing. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate heap memory structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires crafting a specific png file format that triggers the memory corruption during the processing phase, making it a targeted attack vector. Organizations using pngdefry should prioritize immediate patching or mitigation strategies, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to system integrity and data security. The flaw demonstrates the critical need for robust input validation in multimedia processing applications, where malformed data can lead to severe memory corruption issues. This vulnerability type is particularly concerning in web applications where users can upload images, as it provides a potential entry point for remote code execution attacks. The security community has documented similar heap overflow vulnerabilities in image processing libraries, emphasizing the need for comprehensive memory safety measures in multimedia applications. Proper sanitization of input data and implementation of bounds checking are essential defensive measures that could prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The vulnerability's impact extends to any system where pngdefry is deployed, particularly in environments handling untrusted image content, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams.