CVE-2019-3572 in libming
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in libming 0.4.8. There is a heap-based buffer over-read in the function writePNG in the file util/dbl2png.c of the dbl2png command-line program. Because this is associated with an erroneous call to png_write_row in libpng, an out-of-bounds write might occur for some memory layouts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3572 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read condition within the libming 0.4.8 library, specifically affecting the dbl2png command-line utility. This flaw exists in the writePNG function located within the util/dbl2png.c source file, where improper memory handling during PNG file processing creates a dangerous scenario for system stability and security. The issue stems from an erroneous invocation of the png_write_row function from the libpng library, which fundamentally alters how memory is accessed and written during image conversion operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the inherent memory management practices within the PNG writing process, where the application fails to properly validate buffer boundaries before executing memory operations. When processing certain input data streams, the writePNG function attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating potential for out-of-bounds memory access patterns. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and more broadly relates to CWE-787, which encompasses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The memory corruption occurs during the png_write_row function call, where the underlying libpng library receives malformed parameters that cause it to write data beyond intended buffer limits.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution and system instability. Attackers who can control the input to the dbl2png utility can potentially craft malicious PNG files or data streams that trigger the buffer over-read condition, leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, or even remote code execution in vulnerable environments. This vulnerability affects systems that utilize libming for processing multimedia content, particularly those integrating with web applications or content management systems that may invoke the dbl2png utility during file processing workflows. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption vulnerability (T1070) that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or system compromise through exploitation of the underlying memory management flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3572 primarily focus on immediate remediation through library updates and input validation measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to libming versions that contain patched implementations of the writePNG function and related PNG processing components. Additionally, implementing strict input validation protocols for all PNG file processing operations can help prevent exploitation by rejecting malformed or suspicious data streams before they reach the vulnerable code paths. Network segmentation and application sandboxing techniques can further reduce the attack surface by limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or unexpected application behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.