CVE-2017-9161 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a "cannot be represented in type int" issue in autotrace.c:188:23.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9161 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace.a, specifically manifesting in the autotrace.c source file at line 188. This issue represents a classic integer overflow or type conversion problem that occurs when processing image data during the vectorization process. AutoTrace is a tool designed to convert raster images into vector graphics, making it a critical component in graphic design and digital illustration workflows. The flaw emerges during the internal processing of image dimensions or coordinate values that exceed the range representable by the int data type, creating a scenario where values cannot be properly converted or stored within the expected integer boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of integer-related issues that are commonly classified as CWE-190, which deals with integer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-191, integer underflow, when considering the potential for negative values or wraparound behavior in the affected code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple program crashes or unexpected behavior, as it creates potential security risks during the processing of maliciously crafted image files. When AutoTrace processes input images with dimensions or coordinate values that cause integer overflow conditions, the application may exhibit undefined behavior including memory corruption, buffer overflows, or denial of service conditions. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted image files that trigger the overflow condition, leading to application instability or even arbitrary code execution in scenarios where the overflow results in memory corruption. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in automated processing environments where AutoTrace might be used to process untrusted input from multiple sources, as it could enable remote code execution or service disruption without requiring sophisticated attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9161 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive programming practices. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to AutoTrace versions that have addressed this integer overflow issue through proper type checking and bounds validation. Organizations should implement input validation measures that verify image dimensions and coordinate values before processing, ensuring that all values fall within safe integer ranges before they are passed to the autotrace.c functions. Additionally, developers should consider implementing bounds checking mechanisms that prevent integer overflow conditions by either using larger integer types such as long or size_t for coordinate calculations, or by implementing explicit overflow detection before arithmetic operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in the software security principles of the CWE top 25 list and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, legitimate credentials, when considering that such vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to systems through command injection or memory corruption attacks. Regular security assessments and static code analysis should be implemented to identify similar integer overflow conditions in legacy codebases and prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases.