CVE-2018-5802 in LibRaw
Summary
by MITRE
An error within the "kodak_radc_load_raw()" function (internal/dcraw_common.cpp) related to the "buf" variable in LibRaw versions prior to 0.18.7 can be exploited to cause an out-of-bounds read memory access and subsequently cause a crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5802 resides within the LibRaw library's raw image processing functionality, specifically within the kodak_radc_load_raw() function located in internal/dcraw_common.cpp. This issue affects versions prior to 0.18.7 and represents a classic out-of-bounds memory access flaw that can be exploited to cause application instability and potential system compromise. The vulnerability manifests through improper handling of the buf variable during raw image parsing operations, creating a scenario where memory accesses exceed valid buffer boundaries. The LibRaw library serves as a critical component in digital imaging applications, handling raw image data from various camera manufacturers including Kodak, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for image processing software ecosystems.
The technical flaw occurs when the kodak_radc_load_raw() function processes raw image data from Kodak cameras, specifically during the parsing of the buf variable which contains image metadata and pixel data. When malformed or specially crafted raw image files are processed, the function fails to properly validate buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This improper boundary checking allows an attacker to craft malicious raw image files that trigger memory access violations when the application attempts to read beyond allocated buffer limits. The vulnerability is classified as an out-of-bounds read condition, which can result in information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially more severe exploitation depending on the execution environment. The flaw directly maps to CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a subset of memory safety issues commonly found in C/C++ applications processing untrusted binary data.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5802 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can be leveraged to disrupt services in image processing applications, digital asset management systems, and photography software that rely on LibRaw for raw image handling. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing malicious raw image files to applications that use LibRaw, potentially causing denial of service conditions or system instability. In environments where automated image processing occurs, such as digital photography workflows, content management systems, or cloud-based image processing services, this vulnerability could be exploited to cause widespread service disruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications that accept user-uploaded raw image files, as it can be used to crash web servers or applications without requiring elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves legitimate user access to execute malicious code through file processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5802 primarily involve upgrading to LibRaw version 0.18.7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all applications using LibRaw are updated promptly. Additionally, input validation and sanitization should be implemented at application layers that process raw image files, including proper boundary checking and error handling for malformed input data. Applications should employ memory safety techniques such as address sanitizers and stack canaries to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable applications to untrusted input sources. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure timely remediation of affected systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust security practices in software development lifecycle processes.