CVE-2018-5818 in LibRaw
Summary
by MITRE
An error within the "parse_rollei()" function (internal/dcraw_common.cpp) within LibRaw versions prior to 0.19.1 can be exploited to trigger an infinite loop.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5818 resides within the LibRaw library, a widely used open-source software for processing raw image files from digital cameras. This library serves as a critical component in numerous photography applications, image processing tools, and digital asset management systems. The flaw manifests in the parse_rollei() function located within the internal/dcraw_common.cpp source file, which is responsible for parsing specific camera raw formats. This particular function handles the interpretation of Rollei camera raw data, a specialized format used by Rollei digital cameras for storing image information directly from their sensors without compression or processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and loop control mechanisms within the parse_rollei() function. When processing malformed or specially crafted Rollei raw image files, the function enters into an infinite loop scenario where control structures fail to properly terminate execution. This occurs because the parsing logic does not adequately check boundary conditions or validate the structure of incoming data before entering iterative processing loops. The flaw represents a classic example of a denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited by an attacker who crafts malicious raw image files designed to trigger this specific execution path. The infinite loop consumes excessive system resources and prevents the application from processing legitimate image files or performing other required operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that rely on LibRaw for image processing workflows. Applications using vulnerable versions of LibRaw may experience complete service unavailability when processing malicious raw image files, leading to denial of service conditions that can affect photographers, image processing pipelines, and digital asset management systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal file processing operations without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors. Systems that automatically process user-uploaded raw images, such as photo sharing platforms, digital galleries, or automated image analysis tools, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond the simple act of processing a malicious file, making it a particularly dangerous flaw in environments where automated processing occurs.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which specifically addresses the issue of infinite loops in software implementations, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations by upgrading to LibRaw version 0.19.1 or later, which contains the patched implementation of the parse_rollei() function. Additionally, implementing input validation mechanisms that verify raw file structures before processing, employing sandboxed environments for image processing, and deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for abnormal processing patterns can provide layered defense against exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in the patched version addresses the root cause by introducing proper boundary checking and loop termination conditions within the parsing logic, ensuring that malformed input data cannot cause indefinite execution cycles.