CVE-2017-9163 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a "cannot be represented in type int" issue in pxl-outline.c:106:54.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9163 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace component, specifically in the pxl-outline.c source file at line 106. This issue manifests as a type conversion problem where a value cannot be properly represented within the confines of an int data type, creating a potential buffer overflow condition that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw occurs during the processing of pixel outline data structures, which are fundamental to the vectorization process that AutoTrace employs to convert raster images into vector graphics. The integer overflow vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input data sizes and improper handling of boundary conditions when processing image pixel data, particularly when dealing with large or malformed image files that exceed typical int capacity limits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of integer variables that are expected to contain values within a specific range but can receive inputs that exceed the maximum value representable by the int data type. In the context of pxl-outline.c, this occurs when processing pixel coordinates or dimensions that are calculated or parsed from input image data. When these values exceed the maximum positive value of a signed 32-bit integer, typically 2,147,483,647, the system experiences undefined behavior that can result in stack corruption or memory overwrite conditions. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which represents a well-documented class of security flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The issue is particularly concerning because it occurs during the core image processing pipeline where input validation is critical to prevent malicious exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9163 extends beyond simple program crashes or unexpected behavior, as it creates potential entry points for attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of AutoTrace. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to manipulate the program's memory layout, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on AutoTrace for image vectorization, including graphic design software, document conversion tools, and automated image processing systems. Given that AutoTrace is often integrated into larger software ecosystems, the exploitation of this vulnerability could propagate through interconnected systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple applications depend on the same underlying libraries. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a code injection technique under the T1059 category, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through buffer overflow conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9163 should begin with immediate software updates to versions that have patched the integer overflow condition in pxl-outline.c. System administrators must ensure that all instances of AutoTrace 0.31.1 are upgraded to patched releases that properly validate integer inputs and implement appropriate bounds checking. Additionally, input sanitization measures should be implemented at the application level to prevent malformed image data from reaching the vulnerable library components. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers who might attempt to leverage this vulnerability through web applications or file upload interfaces. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar integer overflow conditions in other third-party libraries and ensure that all software components maintain proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms.