CVE-2017-9112 in OpenEXR
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenEXR 2.2.0, an invalid read of size 1 in the getBits function in ImfHuf.cpp could cause the application to crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9112 affects OpenEXR version 2.2.0 and represents a critical memory safety issue within the image processing library's decompression functionality. This flaw exists in the getBits function located within the ImfHuf.cpp source file, which is responsible for handling Huffman decompression operations. The vulnerability manifests as an invalid read operation of size 1, indicating that the application attempts to access a single byte of memory that has not been properly validated or allocated, leading to potential application instability and system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the Huffman decoding algorithm. When processing compressed image data, the getBits function fails to properly validate memory boundaries before attempting to read compressed bits from the input stream. This specific flaw falls under the category of buffer over-read conditions, which are commonly classified as CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of data validation and memory management, where the decompression routine assumes proper input formatting without sufficient verification mechanisms to prevent unauthorized memory access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it represents a potential denial-of-service vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to disrupt image processing workflows. In environments where OpenEXR is used for professional image rendering, compositing, or digital asset management, such a crash could result in significant operational downtime and data processing interruptions. The vulnerability affects any application that utilizes the OpenEXR library for reading or processing image files, particularly those containing malformed or specially crafted compressed data streams. Attackers could potentially leverage this issue to cause service disruption or create conditions that might enable further exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9112 should prioritize immediate software updates to patched versions of OpenEXR where the memory validation issues have been addressed through proper bounds checking and input sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures to validate the integrity of image files before processing them through OpenEXR libraries, including signature verification and format validation checks. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of applying security patches promptly, particularly in environments handling sensitive digital media assets. From a defensive perspective, this issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial-of-service attacks and demonstrates the necessity of robust input validation practices that prevent memory corruption vulnerabilities. System administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious image files, while also establishing monitoring procedures to detect unusual application crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.