CVE-2019-12973 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE
In OpenJPEG 2.3.1, there is excessive iteration in the opj_t1_encode_cblks function of openjp2/t1.c. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to cause a denial of service via a crafted bmp file. This issue is similar to CVE-2018-6616.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12973 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the OpenJPEG 2.3.1 library, specifically within the opj_t1_encode_cblks function located in openjp2/t1.c. This issue manifests as excessive iteration during the encoding process of bitmap files, creating a condition where maliciously crafted bmp files can trigger disproportionate computational resource consumption. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and loop termination mechanisms within the JPEG 2000 compression algorithm implementation, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted files that cause the encoding function to enter into computationally expensive iterative loops. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the core compression functionality of the library, affecting any application that processes bitmap images through OpenJPEG's JPEG 2000 encoding capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which addresses the issue of infinite loops or excessive iteration in software implementations. The opj_t1_encode_cblks function fails to properly validate the structure and parameters of incoming bitmap data, leading to a scenario where malformed input can cause the algorithm to process blocks in an unbounded manner. This creates a predictable pattern of resource exhaustion where the computational overhead increases exponentially with the crafted input complexity, effectively allowing remote attackers to consume excessive CPU cycles and memory resources. The similarity to CVE-2018-6616 indicates a persistent architectural weakness in how the library handles block encoding operations, suggesting that the underlying design may require fundamental restructuring to address such issues comprehensively.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that rely on OpenJPEG for image processing, particularly in web applications, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform resource exhaustion attacks that effectively render services unavailable to legitimate users, creating a denial of service condition that can impact availability and system performance. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where automated image processing occurs, as attackers can submit malicious files that cause systems to consume excessive resources without proper mitigation. Network infrastructure components that process bitmap files through OpenJPEG implementations become prime targets for exploitation, potentially leading to cascading failures in service availability and system stability.
Organizations utilizing OpenJPEG 2.3.1 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, resource limits on image processing operations, and deployment of updated library versions. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-supplied patches that address the excessive iteration in the encoding function, as well as implementing rate limiting and file size restrictions on image uploads. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns of excessive computational resource usage that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper sandboxing mechanisms around image processing components can help contain the impact of potential exploitation attempts, preventing full system compromise. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive testing to ensure that updated implementations maintain compatibility with existing workflows while eliminating the vulnerability conditions that enable denial of service attacks through crafted bmp files.