CVE-2018-25014 in iOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2021
A flaw was found in libwebp in versions before 1.0.1. An unitialized variable is used in function ReadSymbol. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to data confidentiality and integrity as well as system availability.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25014 resides within the libwebp library, a widely used open-source codec for encoding and decoding webp image format files. This library serves as a critical component in numerous web browsers, image processing applications, and content management systems that handle webp formatted media. The flaw manifests in the ReadSymbol function where an uninitialized variable is accessed, creating a potential vector for arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.0.1, making it a significant concern for systems that rely on older implementations of the library. The security implications extend beyond simple memory access violations as this uninitialized variable usage can lead to unpredictable behavior that adversaries might exploit to compromise system integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables in programming contexts. When the ReadSymbol function processes webp image data, it encounters a scenario where a variable is not properly initialized before being used in conditional logic or arithmetic operations. This uninitialized state can result in the function operating on garbage data values that may contain malicious payloads or simply cause the application to behave erratically. The uninitialized variable essentially creates a deterministic path for exploitation where an attacker can craft specific webp image files that trigger the vulnerable code path, leading to potential memory corruption or control flow manipulation.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2018-25014 poses substantial risks to data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially cause denial of service conditions through application crashes or system instability, while also gaining access to sensitive information through memory disclosure attacks. The threat model suggests that webp image processing applications, including web browsers, image editors, and content delivery platforms, could be targeted. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where webp images are processed without proper validation or sandboxing, creating opportunities for remote code execution. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that webp format is increasingly used in web applications and mobile platforms, making the exploitation potential widespread.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-25014 primarily involve upgrading to libwebp version 1.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the uninitialized variable issue. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems and applications utilizing vulnerable versions of the library, particularly focusing on web browsers, content management systems, and image processing software. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for webp image files, deploying sandboxing mechanisms around image processing functions, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches across all software components, as this flaw could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains targeting web applications. Security teams should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while also ensuring that automated patch management systems are configured to handle library updates promptly.