CVE-2017-9110 in OpenEXR
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenEXR 2.2.0, an invalid read of size 2 in the hufDecode function in ImfHuf.cpp could cause the application to crash.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9110 represents a critical memory safety issue within the OpenEXR image processing library version 2.2.0. This flaw manifests as an invalid read operation of size 2 bytes within the hufDecode function located in the ImfHuf.cpp source file. The OpenEXR library serves as a professional-grade image file format and processing framework widely adopted in film and visual effects industries for handling high dynamic range imagery. The vulnerability specifically targets the Huffman decoding algorithm implementation that is fundamental to the compression and decompression processes of OpenEXR files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the hufDecode function which processes compressed data streams using Huffman coding techniques. When processing malformed or specially crafted OpenEXR files, the function attempts to read 2 bytes of memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in an invalid memory access pattern. This type of memory corruption vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. The flaw occurs during the decompression phase of OpenEXR files, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered simply by opening or processing a maliciously constructed image file.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9110 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause denial of service conditions where legitimate applications crash and terminate unexpectedly, disrupting workflows in professional environments where OpenEXR files are extensively used. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated processing environments or when OpenEXR files are processed as part of larger workflows, as it can lead to cascading failures. From an attacker perspective, this memory corruption issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to achieve arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The vulnerability affects all applications that utilize the affected OpenEXR library version, including major software packages like Blender, Maya, and various film production pipelines that rely on OpenEXR for image handling.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9110 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of the OpenEXR library. Users should upgrade to OpenEXR version 2.2.1 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and memory validation within the hufDecode function. Additionally, organizations should implement input validation measures when processing OpenEXR files, particularly in automated or untrusted environments. Security-conscious implementations should consider employing sandboxing techniques or restricted execution environments when handling potentially malicious image files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation in cryptographic and compression libraries, as similar issues in such fundamental components can have widespread impact across multiple applications. System administrators should also monitor for any reported exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability and consider implementing network-level controls to prevent the transmission of potentially malicious OpenEXR files through organizational networks.