CVE-2017-9204 in ImageWorsener
Summary
by MITRE
The iw_get_ui16le function in imagew-util.c:405:23 in libimageworsener.a in ImageWorsener 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid read and SEGV) via a crafted image, related to imagew-jpeg.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9204 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the ImageWorsener library version 1.3.1. This issue manifests in the iw_get_ui16le function located in the imagew-util.c file at line 405, where a remote attacker can exploit a malformed image file to trigger invalid memory reads and subsequent segmentation faults. The vulnerability specifically impacts the imagew-jpeg.c component, which processes jpeg formatted images, making it particularly dangerous in environments where image processing is a core function. The flaw occurs when the library attempts to read a 16-bit unsigned integer in little-endian format from a crafted image file, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in a segmentation violation.
This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input data before processing. The technical execution of this attack involves an attacker constructing a malicious jpeg image file that contains malformed data structures which, when processed by the vulnerable library, causes the iw_get_ui16le function to attempt reading from invalid memory locations. The function's inability to handle unexpected data formats leads to a crash condition that can be exploited for denial of service attacks. The attack vector is remote, meaning an attacker can trigger this vulnerability without physical access to the target system, simply by providing a malicious image file through any means of file transfer or web interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9204 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can be leveraged in broader attack scenarios. Systems that rely on ImageWorsener for image processing, including web applications, content management systems, and image hosting services, become vulnerable to DoS attacks that can render services unavailable to legitimate users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in web environments where users can upload images, as it allows for remote code execution potential or can be chained with other vulnerabilities to escalate attacks. From an attacker's perspective, this flaw represents a low-effort, high-impact method for disrupting services, as the malicious image can be crafted with minimal complexity while causing significant operational disruption. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks, specifically targeting application availability through software flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9204 should focus on immediate patching of the ImageWorsener library to version 1.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Organizations should implement strict image validation processes that include preliminary checks for malformed image headers and metadata before processing files through the library. Input sanitization measures such as image format verification, size limits, and content type checks should be enforced at multiple layers of the application stack. Network-level protections including firewall rules that limit image upload capabilities and content filtering systems can help reduce exposure. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and graceful degradation mechanisms in applications using this library can prevent complete service failure even if a malicious image is processed. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other image processing libraries and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors. The fix implemented in newer versions addresses the core issue by adding proper bounds checking and input validation to prevent the invalid memory reads that led to the segmentation fault conditions.