CVE-2017-9176 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid write and SEGV), related to the ReadImage function in input-bmp.c:370:25.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9176 resides within the AutoTrace library autotrace.a version 0.31.1, specifically affecting the ReadImage function located in input-bmp.c at line 370. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through invalid memory write operations and subsequent segmentation faults. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes malformed bitmap image files, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate input data to trigger memory corruption. The technical implementation involves improper bounds checking and memory management within the bitmap input processing pipeline, which fails to validate input parameters before attempting to write to memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and also relates to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to system instability and application crashes. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it accessible to any attacker who can influence the input processing flow of applications utilizing this library.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9176 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities. The invalid write operation followed by segmentation fault creates an environment where attackers might attempt to leverage the memory corruption for privilege escalation or code execution, particularly in systems where the affected library is used in security-critical applications such as image processing pipelines, document conversion services, or multimedia applications. The vulnerability affects systems running AutoTrace 0.31.1 and any software that incorporates this library, including web applications, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms. When exploited, the vulnerability results in immediate application termination and can be used to overwhelm systems through repeated denial of service attempts, effectively rendering services unavailable to legitimate users. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which describes network denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of how input validation failures can lead to system instability. The flaw is particularly dangerous in automated processing environments where batch image conversion or document scanning services might be targeted, as these systems often process untrusted input from multiple sources without proper sanitization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9176 require immediate attention from system administrators and software developers who utilize AutoTrace or applications incorporating this library. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to AutoTrace version 0.32 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through improved input validation and memory management practices. Organizations should also implement input sanitization measures at the application level, including comprehensive validation of bitmap file headers and pixel data before processing, as well as implementing proper error handling and memory bounds checking. Network-level mitigations can include filtering and rate limiting of image file uploads, particularly for web applications that accept user-generated content, to prevent automated exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for patterns consistent with exploitation attempts, such as unusual memory access patterns or segmentation fault occurrences. The remediation process should also include thorough code reviews of any custom implementations that interact with the affected library, ensuring that proper error handling and input validation are in place. Organizations should also update their vulnerability management processes to include regular library version checking and automated patch deployment to prevent similar issues from arising in the future, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components in software supply chains.