CVE-2017-9190 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid free), related to the free_bitmap function in bitmap.c:24:5.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9190 resides within the AutoTrace library autotrace.a version 0.31.1, specifically affecting the free_bitmap function located in the bitmap.c source file at line 24. This issue represents a critical memory management flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition through an invalid free operation. The vulnerability occurs when the application attempts to free memory that has either already been freed or was never allocated through proper allocation mechanisms, creating a scenario where the memory allocator's internal data structures become corrupted.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating input data that gets processed by the AutoTrace library, leading to a situation where the free_bitmap function receives invalid memory pointers or attempts to free memory blocks that are either already deallocated or not properly allocated. This invalid free operation can result in heap corruption, application crashes, or complete system denial of service. The vulnerability falls under CWE-415, which describes double free conditions, and CWE-416, which addresses use after free errors, both of which are fundamental memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in software security literature. The attack vector is classified as remote due to the library's potential use in networked applications or web services that process user-supplied image data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can affect any application that utilizes the affected AutoTrace library for image processing tasks, particularly those handling user-provided content. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause applications to crash repeatedly, leading to persistent denial of service conditions that may require system restarts or application reinstallation to resolve. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications or content management systems that process uploaded images, as attackers can craft malicious image files to trigger this condition. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, and T1595.001, which addresses network reconnaissance through information gathering. The exploitation can be automated and does not require specialized knowledge, making it a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to disrupt services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9190 should focus on immediate remediation through library updates to versions that have addressed this memory management issue. System administrators should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malformed data from reaching the AutoTrace library functions, particularly in web-facing applications. Additionally, deploying application-level sandboxing techniques and implementing proper memory error detection mechanisms can help contain the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other instances of the affected library within the system infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to patched versions of AutoTrace and ensuring comprehensive dependency management to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through outdated third-party libraries.