CVE-2018-14944 in jpeg_encoder
Summary
by MITRE
An issue has been found in jpeg_encoder through 2015-11-27. It is a SEGV in the function readFromBMP in jpeg_encoder.cpp. The signal is caused by an out-of-bounds write.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14944 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the jpeg_encoder library, specifically manifesting as a segmentation fault during the execution of the readFromBMP function. This issue affects versions of the library released through November 27, 2015, indicating a long-standing security weakness that could have been exploited by attackers for extended periods. The root cause lies in improper bounds checking mechanisms that fail to validate array access boundaries during bitmap to jpeg conversion processes.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the readFromBMP function processes bitmap image data without adequate input validation, leading to an out-of-bounds write condition that results in a segmentation fault. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate memory layout by providing specially crafted bitmap input that exceeds expected buffer boundaries, causing the application to crash or potentially execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it creates opportunities for denial of service attacks and potentially more severe exploitation scenarios. When the segmentation fault occurs, the affected application terminates unexpectedly, disrupting legitimate user operations and potentially providing attackers with a means to cause system-wide availability issues. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1059.001, which involves command and scripting interpreter usage for exploitation. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when the jpeg_encoder library is integrated into larger applications or systems where the segmentation fault could be leveraged to trigger cascading failures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14944 require immediate remediation through library version updates that incorporate proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates. Additionally, defensive programming practices including input sanitization, memory bounds verification, and runtime error detection should be implemented as additional safeguards. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of continuous security auditing and the need for robust input validation across all data processing functions, particularly in image conversion libraries where complex data transformations occur. Regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding standards can prevent similar issues from emerging in future implementations.