CVE-2018-10126 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE
LibTIFF 4.0.9 has a NULL pointer dereference in the jpeg_fdct_16x16 function in jfdctint.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10126 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within the LibTIFF library version 4.0.9, specifically within the jpeg_fdct_16x16 function located in the jfdctint.c source file. This issue arises during the processing of TIFF images that contain JPEG compression, making it particularly dangerous in environments where image file handling is prevalent. The flaw occurs when the function attempts to dereference a pointer that has not been properly initialized or validated, leading to potential application crashes or system instability. Such vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-476 as NULL Pointer Dereference, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor issues in mathematical computation functions can lead to significant security implications, especially when these functions are part of image processing pipelines that handle untrusted input data.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious TIFF image file that triggers the specific code path involving the jpeg_fdct_16x16 function. When the LibTIFF library processes such an image, the function attempts to access memory through a NULL pointer, causing the application to terminate abruptly or behave unpredictably. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it can be exploited through manipulation of image files that are processed by applications using the vulnerable library. The flaw is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal image processing operations without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it a prime candidate for exploitation in web applications, file sharing systems, or any environment where TIFF files are processed automatically.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10126 extends beyond simple application crashes, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities or when exploited in specific contexts. Systems utilizing LibTIFF for image processing, including web servers, content management systems, digital asset management platforms, and image editing applications, face significant risk when running vulnerable versions. The vulnerability can be leveraged to cause denial of service attacks that disrupt legitimate service operations, potentially affecting business continuity and user experience. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this type of flaw represents a high-severity issue that should be addressed immediately, as it can be exploited to create persistent availability issues. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in mathematical computation libraries, particularly those handling complex compression algorithms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10126 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to upgrade to LibTIFF version 4.0.10 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures to identify all systems using vulnerable versions of LibTIFF and ensure timely remediation. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, particularly for systems that process untrusted image files. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers, including file format checking and size limitations for image files. Security monitoring should include detection of abnormal application behavior or crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews, particularly for mathematical and computational libraries that handle complex data processing operations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across their infrastructure.