CVE-2018-12264 in Exiv2
Summary
by MITRE
Exiv2 0.26 has integer overflows in LoaderTiff::getData() in preview.cpp, leading to an out-of-bounds read in Exiv2::ValueType::setDataArea in value.hpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12264 resides within the Exiv2 library version 0.26, specifically in the TIFF image processing functionality. This issue manifests as integer overflows within the LoaderTiff::getData() function located in preview.cpp, which subsequently triggers an out-of-bounds read condition in the Exiv2::ValueType::setDataArea function found in value.hpp. The flaw represents a critical security concern that can be exploited through maliciously crafted TIFF image files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of integer values during TIFF image parsing operations. When the LoaderTiff::getData() function processes image data, it fails to adequately check for integer overflow conditions that can occur when calculating buffer sizes or data offsets. This oversight allows attackers to craft TIFF files with malformed metadata that, when processed by Exiv2, causes integer arithmetic to wrap around to extremely large values. These oversized values then propagate to the Exiv2::ValueType::setDataArea function where they trigger memory access violations through out-of-bounds reads, potentially allowing attackers to read sensitive memory locations or manipulate program execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12264 extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Systems that process or display TIFF images, including web applications, image viewers, and content management systems, become vulnerable to remote code execution when they utilize the affected Exiv2 library. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or process images from untrusted sources, such as social media platforms, file sharing services, or image processing pipelines. Attackers can exploit this flaw by embedding malicious TIFF metadata that triggers the integer overflow during normal image processing operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12264 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest Exiv2 releases that contain the necessary fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to identify all systems utilizing Exiv2 library versions prior to 0.27, as this vulnerability affects the entire 0.26 release line. Additionally, defensive measures such as input sanitization, image validation, and restricted processing of untrusted image files should be implemented as additional layers of protection. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, when exploited in web-based attack scenarios. System administrators should also consider implementing network-based detection mechanisms to monitor for suspicious image file processing activities and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.