CVE-2017-9174 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid read and SEGV), related to the GET_COLOR function in color.c:21:23.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9174 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace.a, specifically targeting the GET_COLOR function located in color.c at line 21:23. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through invalid memory read operations and segmentation faults. AutoTrace is a software library designed for vectorizing raster images, commonly used in graphic design and image processing applications. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes malformed input data, particularly within color handling routines, leading to unpredictable system behavior and potential service interruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the GET_COLOR function, which fails to properly sanitize or verify color data structures before processing. When maliciously crafted input is fed to the library, the function attempts to access invalid memory locations or perform operations on corrupted data structures, resulting in invalid read operations that ultimately trigger segmentation violations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues and can be classified as a CWE-125 vulnerability, representing an out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw operates at the application level and can be exploited remotely through network-based attacks or by manipulating input files processed by applications utilizing the vulnerable AutoTrace library.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9174 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can compromise the stability and reliability of systems that depend on AutoTrace for image processing tasks. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to crash applications using the library, potentially causing denial of service for legitimate users and disrupting business operations. The vulnerability affects any system where AutoTrace 0.31.1 is installed and utilized, including graphic design workstations, web applications processing user-uploaded images, and automated image processing pipelines. Systems that process untrusted input data through AutoTrace components are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, making this a significant concern for organizations relying on image processing workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9174 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of AutoTrace, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases of the software library. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to upgrade to AutoTrace versions that contain fixed implementations of the GET_COLOR function with proper input validation. Additionally, input sanitization measures should be implemented at application layers that utilize AutoTrace, including validating and filtering all image data before processing. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit exposure by restricting access to systems running vulnerable AutoTrace components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service, and the T1059.007 technique involving command and scripting interpreter for remote code execution through input manipulation. Security monitoring should include detection of abnormal memory access patterns and segmentation fault occurrences in applications using AutoTrace libraries.