CVE-2017-7623 in ImageWorsener
Summary
by MITRE
The iwmiffr_convert_row32 function in imagew-miff.c in libimageworsener.a in ImageWorsener 1.3.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7623 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the ImageWorsener image processing library version 1.3.0. This issue specifically resides in the iwmiffr_convert_row32 function located in the imagew-miff.c source file, which is part of the libimageworsener.a library. The flaw manifests when the library processes specially crafted image files that exploit improper bounds checking during the conversion of image data from one format to another. Such malicious files can trigger memory access violations that lead to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the image processing pipeline. When the iwmiffr_convert_row32 function encounters malformed data in a MIFF (Magick Image File Format) file, it fails to properly verify array bounds before reading memory locations. This allows attackers to craft image files that contain malicious data structures which, when processed by the vulnerable library, cause the function to read beyond allocated heap memory regions. The buffer over-read occurs because the function assumes certain data structures maintain expected sizes and formats without proper validation, creating a scenario where memory access extends beyond intended boundaries.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that utilize ImageWorsener for image processing tasks, particularly those exposed to untrusted input sources such as web applications, file upload systems, or content management platforms. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw by uploading or otherwise delivering a maliciously crafted image file that, when processed by any application using the vulnerable library, triggers the heap-based buffer over-read condition. This results in denial of service conditions that can crash applications, cause system instability, or potentially provide attackers with opportunities for further exploitation if the over-read leads to information disclosure or memory corruption.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a fundamental issue in memory management and input validation within the library's image processing routines. The attack surface extends to any system that relies on ImageWorsener for image format conversion, including web servers, image processing pipelines, and applications that handle user-uploaded media content. The remote exploitation aspect means that attackers do not require local system access to trigger the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications where untrusted image files are commonly processed.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7623 involve immediate patching of the ImageWorsener library to version 1.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should also implement robust input validation mechanisms that sanitize all image files before processing, particularly when handling user-uploaded content. Additionally, deploying application-level sandboxing techniques and restricting image processing operations to trusted sources can significantly reduce the risk exposure. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and application crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for "Exploitation for Defense Evasion" and T1499.004 for "Endpoint Denial of Service" when considering the potential for attackers to leverage this flaw for system disruption.