CVE-2019-9151 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the HDF HDF5 1.10.4 library. There is an out of bounds read in the function H5VM_memcpyvv in H5VM.c when called from H5D__compact_readvv in H5Dcompact.c.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9151 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the HDF Group's HDF5 library version 1.10.4. This flaw exists in the H5VM_memcpyvv function located in the H5VM.c source file and is triggered when invoked by the H5D__compact_readvv function in H5Dcompact.c. The HDF5 library serves as a fundamental data model, library, and file format for storing and managing large amounts of data, widely utilized in scientific computing, data analysis, and storage applications across multiple domains including climate modeling, genomics, and high-performance computing environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the memory copying operation that occurs during the handling of compact datasets in HDF5 files. When the H5D__compact_readvv function processes data structures, it calls H5VM_memcpyvv without adequate validation of array boundaries or buffer limits. This allows an attacker to craft malicious HDF5 files that, when processed by vulnerable software, can cause the application to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive data from adjacent memory regions, leading to information disclosure or, in more severe cases, contribute to further exploitation vectors such as remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-9151 extends significantly across various software ecosystems that rely on HDF5 for data management. Applications ranging from scientific data analysis tools to enterprise data storage systems could be compromised when processing untrusted HDF5 files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through simple file manipulation without requiring complex attack vectors or user interaction. The flaw demonstrates a classic weakness in memory safety that aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and may also relate to CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations that often accompany similar read vulnerabilities. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control communications and T1566 for malicious file delivery, as attackers could craft specially formatted files to exploit this issue.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9151 primarily involve immediate patching of the affected HDF5 library version 1.10.4 to the patched releases that address the bounds checking issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive software inventory management to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable HDF5 versions and prioritize updates accordingly. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation procedures for HDF5 files, deploying sandboxing techniques when processing untrusted data, and configuring network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious files. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or unexpected data reads that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and the need for robust input validation mechanisms in data processing libraries that handle complex file formats.