CVE-2017-9199 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:192:19.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9199 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace, specifically in the input-tga.c file at line 192. This issue manifests as a type conversion problem where a value cannot be properly represented within the constraints of the int data type, creating a potential avenue for memory corruption or unexpected behavior during image processing operations. AutoTrace is a tool designed to convert bitmap images into vector graphics, making it a component frequently used in graphic design and digital imaging workflows. The vulnerability occurs when processing Targa image files, a common raster graphics format that has been widely adopted in various applications including computer graphics and video game development.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of data types during the parsing of TGA image headers and pixel data. When the input-tga.c module processes certain TGA file structures, it attempts to assign values that exceed the maximum range representable by a standard int type, typically -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647 on most systems. This type conversion issue can lead to integer overflow or underflow conditions, where the value wraps around to an unexpected representation that may cause buffer overflows, memory corruption, or arbitrary code execution depending on how the corrupted data is subsequently processed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the initial parsing phase of image file processing, meaning it can be triggered by simply loading a maliciously crafted TGA file into an application that relies on AutoTrace for image conversion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, potentially enabling remote code execution in applications that utilize AutoTrace as a library component. Attackers could craft malicious TGA files designed to trigger the integer overflow condition when processed by vulnerable applications, leading to system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where AutoTrace is integrated into larger applications such as graphic design software, image processing pipelines, or web applications that accept image uploads. Given that TGA files are commonly used in professional graphics workflows and game development, this vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against creative professionals or gaming companies. The issue also aligns with CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflow and underflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9199 should focus on immediate patching of the AutoTrace library to version 0.31.2 or later, which contains the necessary type conversion fixes. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that restrict the types of image files accepted by applications using AutoTrace, particularly when processing untrusted input from web applications or user uploads. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual image processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper integer type handling in security-critical code and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers the exploitation of input validation vulnerabilities in software components. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications that depend on AutoTrace and ensure they are updated to prevent exploitation. Regular security audits of third-party libraries and components should be implemented to identify similar type conversion issues that may exist in other software dependencies.