CVE-2017-9172 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:496:29.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9172 resides within the AutoTrace library autotrace.a version 0.31.1, specifically in the ReadImage function located in the input-bmp.c file at line 496. This heap-based buffer overflow represents a critical security flaw that can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise systems running vulnerable software. The issue manifests when the library processes bitmap image files, particularly during the parsing of image headers and data structures that are not properly validated against buffer boundaries. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of memory corruption flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the ReadImage function where the library fails to properly check array bounds when reading bitmap file data. When processing malformed or specially crafted bmp files, the code attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap memory buffer, creating conditions where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten. This type of flaw is classified as CWE-121 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite heap data structures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations, making it accessible to both local and remote attackers who can provide malicious input files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can enable remote code execution when the vulnerable library is used in applications that process untrusted image data. Systems utilizing AutoTrace for image conversion, vectorization, or graphic processing workflows become susceptible to exploitation, particularly in environments where users can upload or import image files from untrusted sources. Attackers can craft specially formatted bitmap files that, when processed by the vulnerable library, will trigger the buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow adversaries to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack surface is broadened when considering that AutoTrace is used in various graphic applications and development environments where image processing capabilities are integrated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9172 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that have patched the buffer overflow issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems and applications that utilize AutoTrace 0.31.1 or earlier versions, particularly those that process external image files. Input validation measures should be implemented at the application level to sanitize bitmap file headers and data before passing them to the vulnerable library functions. Additionally, deployment of memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention can help mitigate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted input sources, while maintaining regular vulnerability scanning to detect similar issues in other third-party libraries. The fix for this vulnerability typically involves implementing proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation within the ReadImage function to prevent data overwrites beyond allocated buffer boundaries.