CVE-2017-9167 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a heap-based buffer overflow in the ReadImage function in input-bmp.c:337:25.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9167 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the AutoTrace library component known as libautotrace.a. This flaw specifically manifests in the ReadImage function located within the input-bmp.c source file at line 337, where a memory corruption issue occurs during bitmap image processing operations. The vulnerability affects AutoTrace version 0.31.1 and demonstrates a classic memory safety issue that can be exploited to compromise system integrity and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the bitmap input processing logic. When the ReadImage function handles bitmap image data, it fails to adequately validate the size of incoming data buffers before copying or processing image information. This inadequate validation creates a scenario where an attacker can craft a maliciously formatted bitmap file that triggers a buffer overflow condition in the heap memory region allocated for image data processing. The specific location at input-bmp.c:337:25 indicates that the overflow occurs during the handling of bitmap header information or pixel data processing, where the application attempts to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides potential attack vectors for remote code execution and system compromise. An attacker who can influence the input to AutoTrace through bitmap files could leverage this buffer overflow to manipulate heap memory layout, potentially leading to code execution or denial of service conditions. This vulnerability affects any system that utilizes AutoTrace for bitmap image conversion or processing, making it particularly concerning for applications that handle untrusted image data from external sources. The heap-based nature of the overflow also increases the complexity of exploitation and the potential for unpredictable system behavior.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9167 should focus on immediate patching of the AutoTrace library to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement input validation measures to verify bitmap file integrity before processing, including checking file headers and dimensions against expected parameters. Additionally, deployment of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a typical target for attack techniques categorized under the ATT&CK framework's execution and privilege escalation phases, particularly when exploited in applications that process untrusted image data.