CVE-2017-9113 in OpenEXR
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenEXR 2.2.0, an invalid write of size 1 in the bufferedReadPixels function in ImfInputFile.cpp 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-2017-9113 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the OpenEXR image processing library version 2.2.0. This issue manifests in the bufferedReadPixels function located within the ImfInputFile.cpp source file, where an improper memory access pattern leads to an invalid write operation of exactly one byte. The flaw arises from insufficient bounds checking during pixel data processing, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled input can trigger unintended memory modifications. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in image processing applications where files are parsed without adequate sanitization, as they can be exploited through crafted malicious image files delivered via various attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern that aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes in software systems. When the bufferedReadPixels function processes image data, it fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory allocations, allowing a single byte write operation to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of flaw can lead to either application crashes due to memory corruption or more severe arbitrary code execution if the overwritten memory contains critical control structures such as return addresses or function pointers. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of OpenEXR in professional image processing workflows, including film production and computer graphics applications where file integrity is paramount.
The operational consequences of CVE-2017-9113 extend beyond simple application instability to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities within affected systems. Attackers can craft specially formatted OpenEXR files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, trigger the memory corruption leading to system compromise. This vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), as it enables attackers to execute malicious code on target systems. The flaw affects not only end-user applications but also server-side processing systems that handle image file uploads, making it particularly dangerous in web applications and content management systems that process user-uploaded image files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of OpenEXR installations to version 2.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary bounds checking corrections. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures for all image file processing, including signature verification and format normalization before any pixel data is parsed. Additionally, deploying application sandboxing techniques and restricting file processing capabilities can help contain potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all systems using affected OpenEXR versions, along with network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific memory corruption flaw. Security teams must also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across all affected infrastructure components.