CVE-2017-9183 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a "cannot be represented in type int" issue in input-bmp.c:309:7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9183 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace component, specifically in the input-bmp.c file at line 309. This issue represents a classic integer overflow condition that occurs when processing bitmap image files, creating a potential security risk for systems that utilize this library for image processing tasks. The flaw manifests when the software attempts to handle certain bitmap file structures that contain values exceeding the maximum representable range for the int data type, leading to unpredictable behavior during the image conversion process.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of data types when processing bitmap headers and metadata. When AutoTrace processes a malformed or specially crafted bmp file, the software encounters values that cannot be accurately represented within the confines of a standard int variable, causing the application to behave erratically. This condition can potentially lead to memory corruption, arbitrary code execution, or denial of service scenarios depending on how the affected system handles the overflow condition. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems that fail to properly validate integer operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on AutoTrace for automated image processing workflows, particularly in environments where untrusted input is processed without proper sanitization. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness by crafting malicious bitmap files that trigger the integer overflow condition, potentially leading to remote code execution or system compromise. The impact is particularly severe in server environments where AutoTrace is used as part of automated processing pipelines, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems or disrupt critical services. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by potentially enabling remote code execution through the exploitation of integer overflow conditions in image processing libraries.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2017-9183 involves immediate patching of the AutoTrace library to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the integer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures when processing bitmap files, ensuring that all image data is verified against expected ranges before being processed by the library. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that utilize AutoTrace, particularly in environments where untrusted input might be processed. The fix typically involves proper bounds checking and data type conversion to ensure that values are properly handled within the constraints of the target data types, preventing the overflow condition that leads to the vulnerability.