CVE-2018-21010 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
OpenJPEG before 2.3.1 has a heap buffer overflow in color_apply_icc_profile in bin/common/color.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-21010 represents a critical heap buffer overflow flaw within the OpenJPEG library version 2.3.1 and earlier. This issue manifests specifically within the color_apply_icc_profile function located in the bin/common/color.c source file, making it a significant concern for any system that processes jpeg2000 image files. The OpenJPEG library serves as a widely-used open-source implementation for handling jpeg2000 format files, and its extensive adoption across various applications and platforms amplifies the potential impact of this vulnerability. The flaw occurs when the library processes color profiles embedded within jpeg2000 files, particularly those containing icc color profiles that define color spaces for accurate color reproduction.
The technical nature of this heap buffer overflow stems from insufficient bounds checking during the processing of icc color profiles within jpeg2000 files. When the color_apply_icc_profile function handles malformed or specially crafted icc profiles, it fails to validate the size of the incoming data against the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which is categorized as a fundamental memory safety issue. The improper handling of input validation in this context allows attackers to potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-21010 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it presents a potential path for remote code execution in vulnerable applications. Systems that utilize OpenJPEG for processing user-uploaded or externally sourced jpeg2000 files become particularly susceptible to exploitation, including web applications, image processing pipelines, and document management systems. Attackers could craft malicious jpeg2000 files containing malformed icc profiles designed to trigger the buffer overflow during normal processing operations. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through application layer protocols, and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through version upgrading to OpenJPEG 2.3.1 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems utilizing OpenJPEG are updated promptly, particularly those processing untrusted image content. Additional protective measures include input validation and sanitization of jpeg2000 files before processing, implementing strict file format validation, and deploying application sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Network-based mitigations such as content filtering and web application firewalls can also provide additional layers of protection by blocking suspicious jpeg2000 files from reaching vulnerable applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation practices in preventing memory corruption exploits that could compromise system integrity and availability.