CVE-2018-9055 in Jasper
Summary
by MITRE
JasPer 2.0.14 allows denial of service via a reachable assertion in the function jpc_firstone in libjasper/jpc/jpc_math.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9055 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the JasPer image processing library version 2.0.14. This flaw exists in the jpc_firstone function located within the libjasper/jpc/jpc_math.c source file, where a reachable assertion can be triggered by maliciously crafted input data. The JasPer library serves as a comprehensive toolkit for handling jpeg2000 image formats and is widely integrated into various applications and systems that process image data, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the mathematical operations of the jpc_firstone function. When processing malformed or specially crafted jpeg2000 image data, the function encounters a condition that triggers an assertion failure, causing the application to terminate abruptly. This behavior constitutes a classic denial of service scenario where legitimate users cannot access the service due to the application crashing or becoming unresponsive. The assertion failure occurs during the mathematical computation phase of jpeg2000 decoding, specifically when dealing with certain bit patterns that the jpc_firstone function does not properly handle.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on JasPer for image processing capabilities. Applications such as image servers, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms that utilize this library become susceptible to denial of service attacks. An attacker could exploit this weakness by uploading or transmitting malicious jpeg2000 files that trigger the assertion failure, thereby causing the target application to crash and potentially rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as it can affect system availability and potentially provide attackers with opportunities for further exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and relates to the broader category of software reliability issues within image processing libraries. From an attack framework perspective, this weakness fits within the denial of service category of the MITRE ATT&CK matrix, specifically under the technique of process injection or application denial of service. Organizations using JasPer 2.0.14 should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the library, implementing input validation controls, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to JasPer version 2.0.15 or later, where the assertion failure has been properly addressed through enhanced input validation and error handling mechanisms.