CVE-2018-11214 in libjpeg
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in libjpeg 9a. The get_text_rgb_row function in rdppm.c allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (Segmentation fault) via a crafted file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11214 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the libjpeg 9a library, specifically affecting the get_text_rgb_row function in the rdppm.c component. This issue manifests when processing malformed image files, creating a scenario where remote attackers can intentionally trigger segmentation faults that crash applications utilizing the affected library. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the image processing pipeline, particularly when handling ppm (Portable Pixmap) formatted image data. The flaw exists at the intersection of improper input validation and memory management errors, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by adversaries to disrupt service availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the rdppm.c file where the get_text_rgb_row function fails to properly validate the structure and content of ppm image files before attempting to process them. When a maliciously crafted ppm file is encountered, the function attempts to read or manipulate memory regions that have not been properly initialized or validated, leading to a segmentation fault. This behavior aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and CWE-119, which covers memory access violations. The vulnerability operates through the standard image processing workflow where applications load ppm files through libjpeg's interface, triggering the problematic code path when the library attempts to convert the image data to RGB format.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems that process user-uploaded or externally sourced image files, particularly web applications, content management systems, and image processing services. The remote attack vector means that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption, as attackers can potentially cause cascading failures in applications that rely on libjpeg for image handling, leading to widespread availability issues. This vulnerability can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1499, which deals with Network Denial of Service, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the exploitation can occur through automated attack vectors targeting image processing components.
Organizations utilizing libjpeg 9a should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions of the library, implementing input validation for image files, and deploying network-level restrictions to limit exposure to malicious image files. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to libjpeg version 9b or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations, using strict file format validation, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify malicious image file patterns can provide layered defense. Security teams should also consider implementing application-level controls that limit the resources available to image processing components and establish monitoring for segmentation fault occurrences that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party components used in application development.