CVE-2017-9197 in AutoTrace
Summary
by MITRE
libautotrace.a in AutoTrace 0.31.1 has a "cannot be represented in type int" issue in input-tga.c:498:55.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9197 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace component, specifically manifesting in the input-tga.c file at line 498. This issue represents a classic integer overflow or truncation problem that occurs when processing Targa image format files. The flaw emerges from an inability to properly handle certain data values that exceed the range of the int data type, creating a scenario where large or malformed TGA file dimensions or metadata values cannot be accurately represented within the confines of a standard integer variable. This particular vulnerability falls under the broader category of integer handling errors that are commonly classified as CWE-190, which deals with integer overflow and underflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-191, which addresses integer underflow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the parsing of TGA image headers where dimension values or other numerical fields from the file format are directly assigned to integer variables without proper validation or range checking. When a TGA file contains dimensions or metadata that exceed the maximum value representable by a signed 32-bit integer, the system encounters a situation where the data cannot be properly converted or stored in the target integer type, leading to potential undefined behavior or exploitable conditions. The specific location at input-tga.c:498:55 indicates that the issue occurs during the processing of TGA file input, likely when reading width or height values from the image header structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple program crashes or unexpected behavior, as it represents a potential vector for denial of service attacks or more severe exploitation scenarios. When an application using AutoTrace processes a maliciously crafted TGA file, the integer truncation can cause the program to behave unpredictably, potentially leading to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or complete application termination. This vulnerability particularly affects systems that rely on AutoTrace for automatic vectorization of raster images, making it a concern for graphic design applications, image processing pipelines, and any software that accepts TGA format inputs from untrusted sources. The flaw can be exploited by attackers who craft specially formatted TGA files designed to trigger the integer overflow condition, potentially causing the affected application to crash or exhibit other malicious behaviors that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9197 should focus on input validation and proper integer handling practices within the AutoTrace library. The most effective approach involves implementing comprehensive bounds checking on all integer values read from TGA file headers, ensuring that dimension and metadata values are validated against expected ranges before assignment to integer variables. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the use of system binaries and libraries that may contain vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for proper input sanitization and validation. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of AutoTrace that addresses this specific integer handling issue would provide the most robust solution. Organizations should also implement proper error handling and input validation in their applications that utilize AutoTrace, ensuring that malformed TGA files do not cause system instability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer type management in image processing libraries, where unvalidated numerical inputs from external formats can lead to exploitable conditions. Security-conscious developers should also consider implementing defensive programming practices such as using larger integer types for intermediate calculations or implementing explicit overflow detection mechanisms to prevent similar issues from occurring in other parts of the codebase.