CVE-2018-5801 in LibRaw
Summary
by MITRE
An error within the "LibRaw::unpack()" function (src/libraw_cxx.cpp) in LibRaw versions prior to 0.18.7 can be exploited to trigger a NULL pointer dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5801 resides within the LibRaw library, a widely used open-source software for processing digital camera raw image files. This library serves as a critical component in numerous image processing applications, digital asset management systems, and photography software platforms. The flaw manifests in the LibRaw::unpack() function located in the src/libraw_cxx.cpp source file, where a specific error condition can lead to a null pointer dereference during the processing of malformed or specially crafted raw image files. This issue affects all versions of LibRaw prior to 0.18.7, creating a significant security risk for any system that relies on this library for image processing operations. The vulnerability represents a classic software defect that can be exploited to cause application crashes or potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the LibRaw::unpack() function. When processing certain raw image data structures, the function fails to properly check for null pointer conditions before dereferencing pointers that may not have been initialized or properly allocated. This error condition typically occurs when the library encounters malformed image headers or corrupted data within the raw file format. The NULL pointer dereference vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a common weakness in software development practices. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming where the code assumes certain pointers will always contain valid addresses without proper validation checks, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through crafted input.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process digital imagery, particularly those handling untrusted input from external sources. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious raw image files that, when processed by vulnerable applications, will cause the LibRaw library to crash or behave unpredictably. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable more serious consequences including denial of service attacks against image processing servers, web applications, or content management systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated image processing pipelines exist, as a single malicious file could disrupt entire workflows. Additionally, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code or cause system instability.
Organizations using LibRaw in their image processing workflows should immediately upgrade to version 0.18.7 or later to remediate this vulnerability. The fix implemented in the newer version includes proper null pointer validation within the unpack() function, ensuring that all pointers are checked before dereferencing operations. System administrators should also implement input validation measures at the application level, filtering or sanitizing raw image files before processing them through the LibRaw library. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual application behavior or crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process external image files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in preventing exploitation of memory safety issues within widely used libraries.