CVE-2019-5083 in ImageGear
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable out-of-bounds write vulnerability exists in the igcore19d.dll TIFdecodethunderscan function of Accusoft ImageGear 19.3.0 library. A specially crafted TIFF file can cause an out of bounds write, resulting in a remote code execution. An attacker needs to provide a malformed file to the victim to trigger the vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5083 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the Accusoft ImageGear 19.3.0 library, specifically within the igcore19d.dll component. This issue manifests in the TIFdecodethunderscan function, which processes TIFF image files for decoding purposes. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms that fail to properly handle malformed TIFF file structures, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the library's image processing capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-787, which defines out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. When a specially crafted TIFF file is processed by the vulnerable library, the TIFdecodethunderscan function fails to validate array bounds during the decoding process, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures or execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety issues and remote code execution vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where image processing libraries are widely deployed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Accusoft ImageGear for image processing tasks. The remote code execution capability means attackers can compromise systems without physical access, potentially gaining full control over applications that utilize the vulnerable library. The attack vector requires only a malicious TIFF file to be processed by an application, making it highly exploitable in scenarios where users might encounter untrusted image content through web applications, email attachments, or file sharing systems. The impact extends beyond simple exploitation to potential system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5083 should prioritize immediate patching of the Accusoft ImageGear library to version 19.4.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures for all image files processed through the library, including file format verification and size limitation checks. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can process potentially malicious images. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious image processing activities and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code through the compromised image processing application. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all instances of the vulnerable library are identified and remediated across the organization's infrastructure.