CVE-2017-9151 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a heap-based buffer overflow in the pnm_load_ascii function in input-pnm.c:303:12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9151 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library component libautotrace.a. This flaw specifically manifests in the pnm_load_ascii function located in the input-pnm.c file at line 303, where a memory access violation occurs due to improper bounds checking during the processing of Portable AnyMap (PNM) formatted image files. The issue arises when the application attempts to read and parse ASCII-encoded PNM data without adequate validation of input buffer sizes, creating an exploitable condition that could allow malicious actors to manipulate memory allocation patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the function's failure to properly validate the size of data being read from PNM files during ASCII parsing operations. When AutoTrace processes a malformed or specially crafted PNM file, the pnm_load_ascii function attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, leading to heap corruption that can result in arbitrary code execution or application crashes. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it occurs during routine file processing operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated file handling is prevalent.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9151 extends beyond simple application instability to potential security compromise of systems that utilize AutoTrace for image processing tasks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability through crafted PNM files delivered via email attachments, file sharing platforms, or web applications that process image uploads. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote code execution when the vulnerable application processes malicious input files. Systems running AutoTrace in automated processing pipelines or those accepting user-uploaded images become prime targets for exploitation, as the buffer overflow could be triggered without user interaction once the malicious file is processed by the application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of AutoTrace to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent buffer overflows in the pnm_load_ascii function. Organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all PNM file inputs before processing, including size checking and format validation to prevent malformed data from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Additionally, deployment of application sandboxing techniques and privilege separation can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts, while network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file processing activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management practices in image processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party components used in production environments.