CVE-2019-1010258 in nanosvg
Summary
by MITRE
nanosvg library nanosvg after commit c1f6e209c16b18b46aa9f45d7e619acf42c29726 is affected by: Buffer Overflow. The impact is: Memory corruption leading to at least DoS. More severe impact vectors need more investigation. The component is: it's part of a svg processing library. function nsvg__parseColorRGB in src/nanosvg.h / line 1227. The attack vector is: It depends library usage. If input is passed from the network, then network connectivity is enough. Most likely an attack will require opening a specially crafted .svg file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-1010258 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the nanosvg library, a widely-used SVG processing component that handles vector graphics rendering in various software applications. This flaw exists in the function nsvg__parseColorRGB located at line 1227 of the src/nanosvg.h file, where the library fails to properly validate input data when parsing color specifications within SVG files. The issue manifests after a specific code commit c1f6e209c16b18b46aa9f45d7e619acf42c29726, which introduced changes to the color parsing logic that do not adequately check buffer boundaries during string processing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation where the library does not sufficiently constrain the length of color value strings when processing rgb() color specifications in SVG files. When an attacker crafts a malicious SVG file containing oversized or malformed color parameters, the parsing function attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, resulting in memory corruption. This memory corruption can manifest as arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions depending on the specific memory layout and the environment where the vulnerable library is deployed. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, Buffer Overflow in Stack-based Buffer, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, when the attack involves malicious file delivery.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as memory corruption can potentially lead to more severe consequences including application crashes, system instability, or even remote code execution in certain environments. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only the opening of a specially crafted SVG file, making it highly relevant for web applications, email clients, and any software that processes SVG content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous when the library is used in network-facing applications, as it could be exploited through web-based attacks where users are tricked into opening malicious SVG files, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The risk is amplified by the fact that SVG files are commonly used in web applications, email attachments, and digital content platforms, making this vulnerability a significant threat to organizations relying on SVG processing functionality.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the nanosvg library to the latest version that addresses this buffer overflow issue, implementing strict input validation for all SVG file processing, and deploying sandboxing mechanisms when handling untrusted SVG content. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious SVG file patterns, along with regular security assessments of applications that utilize SVG processing libraries. Additionally, user education about avoiding untrusted SVG files and implementing principle of least privilege access controls can help reduce the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation in graphics processing libraries, particularly those handling user-provided content.