CVE-2017-9200 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:528:63.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9200 resides within the AutoTrace 0.31.1 library autotrace component, specifically in the input-tga.c file at line 528. This issue manifests as a type conversion problem where an expression cannot be properly represented within the confines of a standard int type, creating a potential buffer overflow or integer overflow condition. The affected library is commonly used for vectorizing raster images and converting them into scalable vector graphics, making it a critical component in graphic design and image processing workflows across various platforms.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of data types during image processing operations within the TGA (Truevision TGA) file format parser. When processing certain TGA files, particularly those with specific metadata or pixel configurations, the code attempts to perform calculations or assignments that exceed the maximum representable value for a signed integer. This condition occurs at the specific line 528 in the input-tga.c file where the compiler or runtime environment encounters an expression that cannot be accurately stored in an int variable, leading to undefined behavior that may result in memory corruption or application crashes.
This vulnerability creates significant operational impact as it can be exploited through maliciously crafted TGA files that trigger the integer overflow condition during image processing. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw in applications that utilize AutoTrace for automated image processing, including web applications, graphic design software, or document conversion systems. The exploitability of this issue is enhanced by the fact that AutoTrace is often integrated into larger software ecosystems, meaning a single vulnerable component can compromise entire applications. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities through malicious file processing.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to a patched version of AutoTrace where the integer overflow issue has been addressed through proper type checking and bounds validation. System administrators should implement strict input validation for all image file processing operations and consider sandboxing image processing components to limit potential damage from exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their software stacks to identify any other components that might be using vulnerable versions of AutoTrace. The fix typically involves implementing proper type casting, using larger integer types such as long or size_t, and adding bounds checking mechanisms to prevent overflow conditions. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect unusual processing patterns or crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts.