CVE-2017-9205 in ImageWorsener
Summary
by MITRE
The iw_get_ui16be function in imagew-util.c:422:24 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-2017-9205 resides within the ImageWorsener library version 1.3.1, specifically in the iw_get_ui16be function located in imagew-util.c at line 422. This flaw represents a critical security issue that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against systems processing image files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when handling crafted image data, particularly within the JPEG processing module imagew-jpeg.c. The function's improper handling of byte order conversion creates a scenario where malformed input can trigger invalid memory reads followed by segmentation faults, effectively crashing the targeted application.
This vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow pattern that falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, specifically involving out-of-bounds reads. The flaw manifests when the iw_get_ui16be function attempts to extract a 16-bit unsigned integer from a byte stream without proper bounds checking. The attack vector involves sending a specially crafted image file that contains malformed JPEG data structures. When the library processes this malicious input, it attempts to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries, causing the application to crash with a segmentation fault. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which describes denial of service through resource exhaustion or invalid memory access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be leveraged in broader attack scenarios targeting web applications, file processing services, or any system that utilizes ImageWorsener for image handling. The vulnerability affects systems where the library is integrated into larger applications, potentially allowing attackers to cause service disruption across multiple platforms. The lack of proper input sanitization means that even legitimate users could inadvertently trigger the vulnerability through malformed image uploads, making it particularly dangerous in user-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate library updates to versions that address the buffer overflow conditions and implementation of input validation measures. System administrators should prioritize patching affected installations and implementing proper image validation at the application level before processing any user-uploaded content. Additional protective measures include deploying network-based intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block malicious image file patterns, as well as implementing proper application sandboxing to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in image processing libraries, particularly those handling complex binary formats like JPEG. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning for image processing components and establishing proper security testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in third-party libraries.