CVE-2017-9614 in libjpeg-turbo
Summary
by MITRE
The fill_input_buffer function in jdatasrc.c in libjpeg-turbo 1.5.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (invalid memory access and application crash) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted jpg file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9614 resides within the libjpeg-turbo library version 1.5.1, specifically within the fill_input_buffer function located in the jdatasrc.c source file. This critical flaw represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited through maliciously crafted jpeg image files. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes malformed input data during the decompression phase, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the input buffer handling mechanism to trigger invalid memory access patterns. The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and input validation within the data source management routines that handle jpeg file parsing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9614 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, potentially enabling more severe consequences including application crashes, system instability, and in some cases arbitrary code execution. When a vulnerable application processes a crafted jpeg file, the fill_input_buffer function fails to properly validate the incoming data stream, allowing attackers to manipulate memory pointers and trigger segmentation faults or access violations. This vulnerability affects any software that relies on libjpeg-turbo for image processing, including web applications, image viewers, content management systems, and various multimedia processing tools. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through routine file processing operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network monitoring approaches.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array index values, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, involving the exploitation of input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web browsers, email attachments, or file sharing systems without requiring local access to the target system. Organizations using affected versions of libjpeg-turbo should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the library, implementing input validation controls, and deploying application firewalls or content filtering solutions to prevent processing of untrusted jpeg files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and proper input sanitization practices in multimedia processing libraries. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across their infrastructure to identify all applications that depend on libjpeg-turbo, as the impact extends to numerous software platforms including web servers, mobile applications, and desktop software that handle image processing operations.