CVE-2017-9179 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 ReadImage function in input-bmp.c:425:14.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9179 resides within the AutoTrace library autotrace.a version 0.31.1, specifically manifesting in the ReadImage function located in input-bmp.c at line 425. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through invalid memory read operations and segmentation faults. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the bitmap image processing functionality of the AutoTrace software suite.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overread condition that occurs when the ReadImage function processes malformed bitmap files without proper boundary checking. When the function attempts to parse input data from a maliciously crafted bmp file, it accesses memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, resulting in invalid memory reads that ultimately trigger a segmentation fault. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to system instability and potential exploitation. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be executed remotely through network-based file processing, making it accessible to attackers who can upload or otherwise deliver malicious bitmap files to systems running AutoTrace.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged to cause complete system instability in applications that depend on AutoTrace for image processing tasks. When exploited, the segmentation fault resulting from the invalid memory read can cause applications to crash or terminate unexpectedly, effectively rendering the affected system or application unavailable to legitimate users. This denial of service condition can be particularly damaging in automated processing environments, web applications, or server-side systems that rely on AutoTrace for converting bitmap images to vector graphics. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system, making it a significant concern for networked environments where AutoTrace is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9179 should focus on immediate patching of the AutoTrace library to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overread condition. System administrators should implement strict input validation measures to prevent processing of untrusted bitmap files, particularly in web-facing applications or automated processing pipelines. Additionally, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file upload patterns and implementing sandboxing techniques for image processing operations can provide additional layers of protection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service attacks, and the T1059.007 technique involving the use of remote services for exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their environments, particularly in scenarios where AutoTrace is integrated into larger software ecosystems or web applications.