CVE-2018-5269 in OpenCV
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenCV 3.3.1, an assertion failure happens in cv::RBaseStream::setPos in modules/imgcodecs/src/bitstrm.cpp because of an incorrect integer cast.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5269 represents a critical assertion failure within the OpenCV library version 3.3.1, specifically within the cv::RBaseStream::setPos function located in modules/imgcodecs/src/bitstrm.cpp. This flaw manifests as an incorrect integer cast that leads to improper handling of stream positioning operations, creating a potential avenue for denial of service or arbitrary code execution depending on the attack context. The issue arises during image processing operations where the library attempts to manipulate bitstream positions, particularly when dealing with malformed or specially crafted image files that trigger the faulty assertion mechanism.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper type handling within the bitstream processing component of OpenCV's image codecs module. When the setPos function processes stream positioning requests, it performs an integer cast operation that fails to properly validate the input parameters or handle edge cases in the stream position calculation. This incorrect casting results in assertion failures that terminate the application process, effectively creating a denial of service condition. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal image file processing operations, making it exploitable via user-supplied content without requiring specialized privileges or conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability impacts any system utilizing OpenCV 3.3.1 for image processing tasks, particularly in environments where untrusted image files are processed. The assertion failure can be exploited to cause application crashes, leading to service disruption and potential denial of service conditions. Systems that depend on OpenCV for image analysis, computer vision applications, or automated processing workflows are at risk, especially when these applications process user-uploaded content or files from external sources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks if the application does not properly handle the assertion failure conditions.
The flaw aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and CWE-682, Incorrect Calculation, as it involves improper handling of integer values during stream positioning operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain under techniques such as T1499.004, Endpoint Denial of Service, where attackers seek to disrupt services through application crashes. The vulnerability also relates to T1059.001, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation may involve crafting specific image files to trigger the assertion failure. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability through the updated OpenCV releases, implementing proper input validation for image files, and employing sandboxing techniques to isolate image processing operations. Additionally, monitoring for abnormal application termination patterns and implementing robust error handling mechanisms can help mitigate the operational impact of this vulnerability.