CVE-2018-12092 in tinyexr
Summary
by MITRE
tinyexr 0.9.5 has a heap-based buffer over-read in tinyexr::DecodePixelData in tinyexr.h, related to OpenEXR code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12092 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw within the tinyexr library version 0.9.5, specifically affecting the tinyexr::DecodePixelData function in the tinyexr.h header file. This issue stems from the library's handling of OpenEXR formatted image data, which is commonly used in professional visual effects and computer graphics applications where high dynamic range imaging is essential. The flaw manifests when processing malformed or specially crafted EXR files that contain invalid pixel data specifications, leading to memory access violations that can potentially be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the insufficient validation of input parameters during the pixel data decoding process. When tinyexr attempts to decode pixel data from an EXR file, it fails to properly bounds-check array accesses against the expected pixel data dimensions and format specifications. This oversight allows an attacker to craft EXR files with malformed metadata that causes the decoder to read beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which occurs when a program reads memory beyond the allocated buffer limits, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing application crashes. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the memory management layer of image processing libraries that are widely integrated into professional software pipelines and content creation tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it creates potential attack vectors for remote code execution and information disclosure. When exploited, the buffer over-read can lead to denial of service conditions where applications crash upon processing malicious EXR files, or more critically, allow attackers to read adjacent memory locations that may contain sensitive information such as stack canaries, encryption keys, or other application data. This vulnerability affects any system that utilizes tinyexr version 0.9.5 for processing OpenEXR images, including but not limited to digital content creation software, rendering engines, and image processing applications. The attack surface is particularly broad given the widespread adoption of OpenEXR format in professional graphics workflows and the library's integration into numerous third-party applications and content management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12092 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, with the most effective solution being the upgrade to tinyexr version 1.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation protocols for all image file processing, particularly when handling user-uploaded or externally sourced EXR files. Security measures should include deploying sandboxed environments for image processing tasks, implementing file format validation checks, and establishing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving command and control communications and privilege escalation through software supply chain compromises, making it a critical target for defensive measures including network monitoring for suspicious file transfers and endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous behavior during image processing operations.