CVE-2018-14945 in jpeg_encoder
Summary
by MITRE
An issue has been found in jpeg_encoder through 2015-11-27. It is a heap-based buffer overflow in the function readFromBMP in jpeg_encoder.cpp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14945 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition within the jpeg_encoder library, specifically affecting versions released through November 27, 2015. This flaw exists within the readFromBMP function located in the jpeg_encoder.cpp source file, making it a significant security concern for any system utilizing this library for image processing operations. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices that allow maliciously crafted bmp image files to trigger unauthorized memory access patterns. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to arbitrary code execution when exploited by attackers who understand the underlying memory corruption mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the readFromBMP function failing to properly validate the dimensions and data structures of input bmp files before attempting to copy data into pre-allocated heap buffers. When processing malformed bmp images, the function calculates buffer sizes based on potentially untrusted input values without sufficient bounds checking, resulting in writes that exceed allocated memory boundaries. This heap overflow creates memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14945 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it provides potential attack vectors for remote code execution when the affected library is used in web applications, image processing servers, or any system that accepts user-uploaded bmp files. Attackers can craft malicious bmp files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, will trigger the buffer overflow and potentially allow them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for web applications, content management systems, and image processing services that may be exposed to untrusted input. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain persistent access through the execution of malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through library updates to versions that address the buffer overflow issue, as well as implementing defensive programming practices such as input validation, bounds checking, and memory safety mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using the affected jpeg_encoder library and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input sanitization for image file processing, deploying web application firewalls to filter suspicious file uploads, and establishing runtime monitoring to detect anomalous memory access patterns. The fix typically involves adding proper validation of bmp file headers and dimensions before memory allocation, ensuring that calculated buffer sizes do not exceed maximum allowable limits, and implementing proper error handling for malformed input data.