CVE-2017-9185 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:319:7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9185 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace component, specifically in the input-bmp.c file at line 319. This issue manifests as a type conversion problem where a value cannot be properly represented within the constraints of the int data type during bitmap image processing operations. The flaw occurs when the library attempts to handle certain bitmap file formats, particularly those with specific dimensional characteristics or color depth configurations that exceed the typical range of integer variables used in the processing logic.
This vulnerability represents a classic integer overflow or truncation issue that falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow and under CWE-191 for integer underflow. The root cause stems from inadequate input validation and type handling when processing bitmap image headers and pixel data structures. When the library encounters bitmap files with dimensions or metadata that exceed the maximum value representable by a standard int type, the conversion process fails catastrophically, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple processing failures, as it can create opportunities for denial of service conditions or potentially more severe security implications when the library is integrated into larger applications or systems. Attackers could exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted bitmap files that trigger the integer representation error, causing the application to crash or behave unexpectedly. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in applications that process untrusted image files, as it could enable remote code execution or system compromise depending on the broader context of how the library is utilized.
The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including execution through malicious file processing and privilege escalation via application exploitation. When AutoTrace is used in automated image conversion services or as part of larger software ecosystems, this flaw could be leveraged to disrupt services or gain unauthorized access to systems. The issue demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where insufficient bounds checking and type validation were implemented during the development lifecycle, particularly in the image processing pipeline where various data formats and sizes must be handled gracefully.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9185 should focus on upgrading to patched versions of AutoTrace where the integer type handling has been corrected to use appropriate data types that can accommodate the full range of expected values. Developers should implement robust input validation routines that check for potential overflow conditions before type conversions occur, and consider using larger integer types or unsigned integers where appropriate. Additionally, applications integrating AutoTrace should implement proper error handling and input sanitization measures to prevent malformed bitmap files from reaching the vulnerable code path, while also considering the implementation of memory safety features such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to further harden the system against exploitation attempts.