CVE-2018-5813 in LibRaw
Summary
by MITRE
An error within the "parse_minolta()" function (dcraw/dcraw.c) in LibRaw versions prior to 0.18.11 can be exploited to trigger an infinite loop via a specially crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5813 resides within the LibRaw library, a widely-used software component for processing digital camera raw image files across various operating systems and applications. This flaw manifests in the parse_minolta() function located in the dcraw.c source file, which is responsible for parsing Minolta camera raw data formats. The issue affects all versions of LibRaw prior to 0.18.11, making it a significant concern for systems that rely on this library for image processing operations. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation where the parser fails to properly handle malformed or specially crafted input data, leading to unexpected program behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a logic flaw in the parse_minolta() function where the parser enters an infinite loop when processing specially crafted Minolta raw files. This occurs because the function does not properly validate loop termination conditions or input boundaries when parsing the file structure. The flaw can be triggered by constructing a raw image file with specific malformed header values or data sequences that cause the parser's internal loop to never reach its exit condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-835, which specifically addresses the issue of infinite loops in software implementations, making it a direct example of improper loop control logic. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require any special privileges or complex exploitation techniques - simply processing a malicious file with the vulnerable library will trigger the infinite loop.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5813 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can be leveraged to cause significant system resource exhaustion and application instability. When exploited, the infinite loop consumes CPU cycles continuously without making meaningful progress, potentially leading to system performance degradation or complete application hangs. This vulnerability is especially concerning in server environments or applications that process user-uploaded images, as it could be used to perform resource exhaustion attacks against web applications, file processing services, or image manipulation software. The attack surface is broad since LibRaw is integrated into numerous applications including image viewers, photo editors, and digital asset management systems, making the potential impact widespread across different software ecosystems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 which covers "Endpoint Denial of Service" techniques, demonstrating how the flaw can be used to compromise system availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5813 primarily focus on upgrading to LibRaw version 0.18.11 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent the infinite loop condition. System administrators should also implement input validation measures at the application level to sanitize raw image files before processing them through the LibRaw library, though this approach is less reliable than updating the underlying library itself. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing resource limits and timeouts when processing image files to prevent complete system exhaustion. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and loop termination checking in security-critical software components, particularly those handling untrusted data from external sources. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual CPU usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potential similar flaws in software dependencies.