CVE-2017-9152 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a heap-based buffer over-read in the pnm_load_raw function in input-pnm.c:346:41.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9152 affects AutoTrace version 0.31.1 through a heap-based buffer over-read condition within the libautotrace.a library. This issue manifests specifically in the pnm_load_raw function located in the input-pnm.c source file at line 346, column 41, representing a critical memory safety flaw that can potentially lead to system instability or exploitation. The affected component is part of the AutoTrace library which is commonly used for vector graphics conversion and image processing tasks in various software applications and development environments.
The technical flaw stems from improper bounds checking within the pnm_load_raw function where the application fails to validate input data dimensions before attempting to read from memory locations. This buffer over-read occurs when the function processes Portable AnyMap (PNM) formatted image files without adequate verification of array boundaries, allowing an attacker to craft malicious input files that cause the application to access memory beyond the allocated buffer space. The vulnerability is categorized as a heap-based buffer over-read under CWE-125, which is a well-known weakness pattern related to insufficient boundary checks in memory operations. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that can enable arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions when exploited properly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can be leveraged by attackers to cause application crashes, system instability, or potentially enable remote code execution depending on the execution environment and memory layout. When an application using AutoTrace processes a specially crafted PNM file, the over-read condition can trigger segmentation faults, heap corruption, or other memory-related errors that disrupt normal application functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where AutoTrace is used as a library component within larger applications or in automated processing pipelines, as it can serve as a vector for denial of service attacks or more sophisticated exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 (Cloud Service Dumping) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) when considering potential exploitation vectors through compromised applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9152 should focus on immediate patching of the AutoTrace library to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. System administrators and developers should implement input validation measures that verify file dimensions and content before processing with AutoTrace libraries, particularly when handling untrusted input from external sources. Additionally, deploying application sandboxing techniques and implementing memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization (ASLR) and data execution prevention (DEP) can help reduce the exploitability of this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar memory safety issues within the software supply chain, with particular attention to libraries that handle binary file processing and image manipulation functions. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems and applications that utilize the AutoTrace library components.