CVE-2017-9159 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid write and SEGV), related to the pnm_load_rawpbm function in input-pnm.c:391:15.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9159 affects AutoTrace version 0.31.1 through a critical flaw in the libautotrace.a library component. This issue manifests as a remote denial of service condition that can be triggered by maliciously crafted input files, specifically targeting the pnm_load_rawpbm function within the input-pnm.c source file at line 391. The flaw represents a classic buffer overflow scenario where invalid memory writes occur, ultimately leading to segmentation faults that crash the affected application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the image processing pipeline of AutoTrace. When the pnm_load_rawpbm function processes Portable AnyMap format files, it fails to properly validate the dimensions and data structure of the input file, allowing attackers to craft malformed data that causes the application to attempt writing to invalid memory addresses. This invalid write operation typically occurs during the parsing of raw pbm (Portable Bitmap) format data, where the function does not adequately check bounds before performing memory operations. The segmentation fault that results from this condition effectively terminates the application process, preventing legitimate users from accessing the service.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9159 extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a remote code execution vector that can be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication. This vulnerability affects any system running AutoTrace 0.31.1 that processes untrusted image files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or submit image data for processing. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper input handling can lead to system instability. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, specifically targeting the availability of services through denial of service attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of AutoTrace installations to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures for all image processing workflows, particularly when handling user-submitted content. Additional protective measures include deploying application sandboxing techniques, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect abnormal application behavior. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and dependency updates, as this flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can lead to critical system instability. Security teams should also consider implementing automated scanning tools that can detect and block malformed image files before they reach the vulnerable processing functions, particularly in web applications that accept image uploads.