CVE-2018-16435 in Little
Summary
by MITRE
Little CMS (aka Little Color Management System) 2.9 has an integer overflow in the AllocateDataSet function in cmscgats.c, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow in the SetData function via a crafted file in the second argument to cmsIT8LoadFromFile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-16435 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Little Color Management System version 2.9 that affects the AllocateDataSet function in the cmscgats.c source file. This issue manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow when processing specially crafted input files through the cmsIT8LoadFromFile function, creating a significant security risk for systems that rely on this color management library for image processing and color profile handling. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking during memory allocation operations, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the allocation process through carefully constructed CGATS files that contain malformed data structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the AllocateDataSet function processes a crafted CGATS file that contains oversized or malformed data values, causing integer overflow during memory allocation calculations. This overflow results in insufficient memory being allocated for data sets, subsequently leading to heap corruption when the SetData function attempts to write beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the cmsIT8LoadFromFile API function which is commonly used for loading color management data from files, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process untrusted color profile data from external sources. The integer overflow condition typically arises from arithmetic operations that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type used in memory allocation calculations, creating a predictable pattern of memory corruption.
Systems utilizing Little CMS for color management are at risk when processing untrusted input files, particularly in environments where applications handle color profiles from external sources such as graphic design software, print management systems, or digital imaging applications. The heap-based buffer overflow can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service conditions, or information disclosure depending on the specific system configuration and memory layout. Applications that directly or indirectly call the cmsIT8LoadFromFile function with user-provided or third-party color profile files are vulnerable to exploitation, with the attack surface extending to any software that integrates the Little CMS library for color management operations. This vulnerability particularly affects multimedia applications, graphic design tools, and print management systems that rely on proper color profile handling for accurate color reproduction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16435 should prioritize updating to patched versions of Little CMS where the integer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation procedures for all color profile files, including size and format verification before processing, and consider implementing sandboxing or restricted execution environments for color management operations. Security controls should include monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns and implementing robust error handling that prevents buffer overflow conditions from escalating to code execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged in initial access or execution phases where adversaries might use crafted color profiles as delivery mechanisms for malicious payloads, particularly in targeted attacks against creative professionals or print management systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify systems using vulnerable versions of Little CMS, with immediate patching recommended for all affected installations to prevent exploitation by threat actors.