CVE-2018-19607 in Exiv2
Summary
by MITRE
Exiv2::isoSpeed in easyaccess.cpp in Exiv2 v0.27-RC2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and application crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19607 resides within the Exiv2 library version 0.27-RC2, specifically within the Exiv2::isoSpeed function located in the easyaccess.cpp file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack against systems utilizing this library. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes a specially crafted file that triggers a NULL pointer dereference, leading to an application crash and subsequent service disruption. The affected component is part of the Exiv2 library's metadata processing capabilities, which are commonly used for handling image file metadata including EXIF data. This library is widely deployed across various applications and systems that require image metadata handling, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Exiv2::isoSpeed function. When processing malformed image files, the function fails to properly check for NULL pointer conditions before attempting to dereference pointers that may not have been initialized or properly allocated. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is a common vulnerability pattern that occurs when software attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly initialized or has been set to NULL. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of defensive programming practices where the code does not adequately validate input parameters or handle exceptional conditions that may arise during file processing operations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges or authentication, allowing any remote attacker to craft a malicious file that can trigger the crash.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect a wide range of applications that depend on Exiv2 for image metadata processing. Systems that process user-uploaded images, content management systems, digital asset management platforms, and any application that utilizes Exiv2 for EXIF data handling could be vulnerable to this attack. The denial of service condition can be particularly damaging in environments where continuous availability is critical, such as web services, content delivery networks, or enterprise applications that rely on image processing capabilities. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply uploading or sharing a crafted image file that contains malformed metadata structures designed to trigger the NULL pointer dereference. The crash occurs during normal file processing operations, meaning that even legitimate users could inadvertently trigger the vulnerability while performing routine tasks such as viewing or uploading images.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19607 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems and implementation of proper input validation measures. The most effective solution is to upgrade to Exiv2 version 0.27 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper NULL pointer checks and improved error handling within the affected function. Organizations should also implement network-level defenses such as file type validation and content scanning to prevent malicious files from reaching systems that utilize Exiv2. Additionally, deploying application-level sandboxing and input sanitization techniques can provide additional layers of protection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the T1499.004 technique of Network Denial of Service, where adversaries leverage software flaws to disrupt services. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the attack involves the execution of malicious code through crafted file inputs. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement proper logging to detect potential abuse of this vulnerability in their environments.