CVE-2017-9188 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a "left shift ... cannot be represented in type int" issue in input-bmp.c:516:63.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9188 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace component, specifically in the input-bmp.c file at line 516. This issue manifests as a left shift operation that exceeds the representable range of the int data type, creating a critical condition that can lead to undefined behavior during image processing operations. The flaw occurs when the software attempts to perform bitwise left shift operations on integer values that surpass the maximum value that can be stored within the standard int type, typically 2^31-1 on most systems. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of integer overflow conditions and is classified as a CWE-190 - Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which represents a fundamental weakness in the software's handling of numeric data types.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple program crashes, as it can potentially enable malicious actors to manipulate input bitmap files to trigger the overflow condition. When an attacker supplies a specially crafted bmp file, the left shift operation in the input-bmp.c module can cause the program to behave unpredictably, potentially leading to memory corruption, arbitrary code execution, or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the input processing phase of the AutoTrace application, meaning that any application using this library could be susceptible to exploitation when processing untrusted bitmap data. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as the vulnerability enables remote code execution through manipulation of input data.
The technical flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient integer type validation and bounds checking within the image processing pipeline. When AutoTrace processes bitmap files, it performs various mathematical operations including bit shifts to interpret pixel data and extract color information. The specific line 516 in input-bmp.c contains a left shift operation that does not properly validate whether the shift amount would result in an integer overflow before performing the operation. This lack of proper input sanitization and integer bounds checking creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can craft input files that cause the program to execute unintended operations. The vulnerability represents a failure in defensive programming practices and adheres to CWE-190's classification of integer overflow conditions that can be leveraged for security breaches. Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper integer overflow checks, validating input parameters before processing, and potentially upgrading to newer versions of AutoTrace that address this specific integer handling issue. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of using secure coding practices and following industry standards such as those outlined in the CERT Secure Coding Standards, which recommend thorough validation of integer operations and proper handling of edge cases in mathematical computations.