CVE-2021-32287 in heif
Summary
by MITRE • 09/20/2021
An issue was discovered in heif through v3.6.2. A global-buffer-overflow exists in the function HevcDecoderConfigurationRecord::getPicWidth() located in hevcdecoderconfigrecord.cpp. It allows an attacker to cause code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-32287 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the heif library version 3.6.2 and earlier, specifically within the HevcDecoderConfigurationRecord::getPicWidth() function. This issue resides in the hevcdecoderconfigrecord.cpp source file, where improper bounds checking allows malicious input to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The flaw manifests as a global buffer overflow that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code, making it a severe security risk for any system processing HEVC video content through this library.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs when the HevcDecoderConfigurationRecord::getPicWidth() function processes malformed HEVC decoder configuration records without adequate validation of input parameters. Attackers can craft specially crafted HEVC files that trigger the buffer overflow during the parsing of video configuration data, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the library level, meaning any application that utilizes the heif library for HEVC video processing becomes susceptible to exploitation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability affects systems that process HEVC video content, including media players, video editing software, content management systems, and any applications that rely on the heif library for handling HEVC files. The attack surface is broad given that HEVC is widely used in modern video applications, streaming services, and digital media processing pipelines. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no special privileges to trigger, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might inadvertently process malicious video files. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain complete control over affected systems, leading to data breaches, system compromise, or further lateral movement within networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-32287 primarily involve immediate patching of the heif library to version 3.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures to identify all systems using the affected library and prioritize remediation efforts. Additionally, input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened at application layers that process HEVC content, implementing proper bounds checking and memory protection mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments of third-party libraries to prevent similar issues in the future.