CVE-2017-7595 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
The JPEGSetupEncode function in tiff_jpeg.c in LibTIFF 4.0.7 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (divide-by-zero error and application crash) via a crafted image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7595 resides within the LibTIFF library version 4.0.7, specifically in the JPEGSetupEncode function located in the tiff_jpeg.c file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack against systems utilizing the affected library. The vulnerability manifests when processing crafted image files that contain malformed JPEG compression data, creating a scenario where the application encounters a divide-by-zero error during the encoding process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JPEG compression parameters within TIFF image files. When the JPEGSetupEncode function processes an image with specially crafted data, it fails to properly validate input parameters before performing mathematical operations. This validation failure leads to a scenario where a division operation attempts to divide by zero, causing the application to crash immediately. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and error handling within the JPEG compression setup routine, which does not account for edge cases involving malformed data structures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on LibTIFF for image processing, particularly those exposed to untrusted image data from external sources. Applications such as web servers, image processing pipelines, and document management systems become vulnerable to denial of service attacks when they process images through the affected library. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as attackers can potentially cause repeated crashes, leading to system instability and resource exhaustion. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated image processing workflows exist, as a single malicious image could cause cascading failures throughout the system.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-369, which specifically addresses the divide-by-zero error condition, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through application-level manipulation. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of robust input validation in security-critical libraries. Organizations utilizing LibTIFF should prioritize immediate patching to address this vulnerability, as the remote exploitation potential makes it a high-priority security concern. The fix typically involves implementing proper parameter validation and error handling within the JPEGSetupEncode function to prevent division operations from encountering zero values during processing. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing image validation checks and sandboxing mechanisms to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.