CVE-2017-9198 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:508:18.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9198 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace component, specifically in the input-tga.c file at line 508. This issue manifests as a type conversion problem where a value cannot be properly represented within the confines of the int data type, creating a potential avenue for memory manipulation or code execution. AutoTrace is a tool designed for vector graphics conversion from raster images, commonly used in graphic design and digital asset processing workflows. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of data types during the processing of Targa image format files, which are widely used in professional graphics applications and video production environments.
The technical flaw occurs when the input-tga.c module processes TGA file headers and encounters values that exceed the maximum representable range of a standard int type, typically -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647 on most systems. This type conversion error creates an integer overflow condition that can potentially lead to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or arbitrary code execution when the application attempts to process malformed TGA files. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-190 - Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which represents a common class of software defects that can be exploited by attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The specific location at line 508 suggests a critical point in the file size or dimension parsing logic where unsigned values are improperly cast to signed integers without adequate range validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute unauthorized code on systems running vulnerable versions of AutoTrace. Attackers could craft specially formatted TGA files that trigger the integer overflow condition, potentially allowing them to overwrite memory regions, redirect program execution, or escalate privileges. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where AutoTrace is used for automated processing of user-uploaded content or in professional workflows where image processing pipelines are exposed to external inputs. The attack surface includes graphic design studios, digital asset management systems, and any application that integrates AutoTrace for vector conversion services. Systems using AutoTrace for batch processing of large volumes of images are especially vulnerable, as a single malformed file could cause widespread disruption or compromise entire processing pipelines.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9198 should focus on immediate version updates to AutoTrace 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow condition. Organizations should implement input validation measures that reject malformed TGA files before they reach the vulnerable parsing code, utilizing file signature verification and size checks to prevent exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should consider deploying application sandboxing techniques and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer type handling and range validation in security-critical applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, which emphasizes the need for robust input sanitization in automated processing environments. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious file processing activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should include testing for similar integer overflow conditions in other image processing libraries and tools.