CVE-2017-9111 in OpenEXR
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenEXR 2.2.0, an invalid write of size 8 in the storeSSE function in ImfOptimizedPixelReading.h could cause the application to crash or execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9111 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in OpenEXR version 2.2.0, specifically within the storeSSE function located in the ImfOptimizedPixelReading.h file. This flaw arises from improper bounds checking during pixel data processing operations that utilize SSE (Streaming SIMD Extensions) instruction sets for optimized performance. The vulnerability manifests as an invalid write operation of exactly 8 bytes, which occurs when the application processes certain malformed image data files that trigger the optimized pixel reading path. The affected software library is widely used in professional digital imaging workflows, particularly in film and visual effects production environments where OpenEXR format is the de facto standard for high dynamic range image storage and interchange.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious OpenEXR file that, when processed by vulnerable software, triggers the storeSSE function with insufficient input validation. The flaw stems from a classic buffer overflow condition where the code writes beyond allocated memory boundaries, specifically targeting a memory region that should accommodate only a limited number of bytes. This improper memory management directly violates CWE-121, which categorizes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, the assignment of a value to a memory location beyond the boundaries of the buffer. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and performance optimization, where the pursuit of computational efficiency through SIMD instructions creates an attack surface that can be exploited through carefully crafted input data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9111 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable remote code execution in scenarios where vulnerable applications process untrusted image files. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in professional environments such as post-production studios, where artists and technicians frequently handle files from multiple sources, including third-party vendors and collaborative partners. The exploitability of this vulnerability can be enhanced through social engineering tactics that trick users into opening malicious files, making it a significant threat vector in enterprise security contexts. The vulnerability affects not only the core OpenEXR library but also any software that depends on it for image processing, including major applications like Maya, Nuke, and various rendering engines that utilize the OpenEXR format for storing high-quality imagery. The potential for arbitrary code execution places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059 category, specifically targeting application execution through legitimate system tools and libraries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9111 should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenEXR installations to version 2.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement robust input validation procedures for all image files processed through vulnerable applications, including automatic scanning for malformed OpenEXR files and implementing sandboxing techniques when handling untrusted content. Network security controls should be enhanced to prevent the automatic download and execution of OpenEXR files from untrusted sources, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious memory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all installations of OpenEXR 2.2.0 and related software components, ensuring that the entire digital imaging pipeline is secured against potential exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability. The fix implemented by the OpenEXR development team addresses the root cause by introducing proper bounds checking and memory boundary validation within the storeSSE function, preventing the 8-byte write overflow that previously enabled both crash conditions and potential remote code execution scenarios.