CVE-2017-9169 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:355:25.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9169 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 software library libautotrace.a. This flaw specifically manifests in the ReadImage function located in the input-bmp.c file at line 355, where the program fails to properly validate input data boundaries during bitmap image processing operations. The issue arises when the software attempts to read and process bitmap image files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can trigger unauthorized memory access patterns that exceed allocated buffer limits.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper memory management practices in the bitmap input handling code. When AutoTrace processes a specially crafted bitmap file, the ReadImage function does not adequately check the size parameters of the incoming image data before attempting to copy or process this information into fixed-size buffers. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can provide input data that exceeds the predetermined buffer capacity, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a common weakness in software security practices that directly enables memory corruption attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that utilize AutoTrace for image processing tasks, particularly in environments where untrusted bitmap files might be processed. The heap overflow can result in application crashes, denial of service conditions, or potentially more severe consequences including remote code execution depending on the execution environment and memory layout. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by constructing malicious bitmap files that, when processed by AutoTrace, trigger the buffer overflow condition and allow for code injection or system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning in automated processing environments or web applications that accept user-uploaded bitmap files for conversion or analysis purposes.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9169 should focus on immediate patching of the AutoTrace software to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that restrict the size and format of bitmap files processed by AutoTrace applications, and consider deploying memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention features. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of systems running AutoTrace to untrusted inputs, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other image processing libraries and applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in preventing heap-based buffer overflow exploits that align with tactics documented in the ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and execution categories.