CVE-2021-33293 in libpano13
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2022
Panorama Tools libpano13 v2.9.20 was discovered to contain an out-of-bounds read in the function panoParserFindOLine() in parser.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-33293 affects Panorama Tools libpano13 version 2.9.20 and represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the panoParserFindOLine() function located in parser.c. This issue arises during the processing of panorama image files and demonstrates a classic memory safety vulnerability that can potentially lead to system instability or exploitation. The flaw occurs when the parser attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries while parsing specific panorama file structures. Such out-of-bounds read conditions are particularly dangerous because they can expose sensitive data from adjacent memory regions or cause application crashes that may be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the parsing logic, allowing malformed or specially crafted panorama files to trigger the memory access violation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. When the panoParserFindOLine() function processes panorama files, it fails to properly validate the size and structure of the data it reads from input files, leading to memory access beyond intended boundaries. This particular flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting input validation vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code. The function likely assumes certain data structures or array sizes that may not be present in all valid inputs, creating a path where memory access occurs beyond allocated buffer limits. The impact of such a vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it can potentially reveal memory contents that may contain sensitive information, making it attractive to attackers seeking to extract system information or escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-33293 is significant for any system utilizing Panorama Tools libpano13 for panorama image processing or file validation. Applications that integrate this library, including photo editing software, panorama stitching tools, and image processing pipelines, become vulnerable to potential exploitation through maliciously crafted panorama files. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to cause denial of service conditions by triggering application crashes or potentially execute arbitrary code if proper memory protections are not in place. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only the ability to submit a specially crafted panorama file to a vulnerable application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or process external image files. Systems that process large volumes of panorama images or those that automatically parse user-submitted files are at heightened risk, as a single malicious file could compromise multiple applications or systems that depend on this library.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-33293 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as the vendor has likely released updates addressing this specific out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation measures that include bounds checking and proper memory allocation before processing panorama files. Additionally, deploying application sandboxing techniques and restricting file processing capabilities can limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems can monitor for patterns associated with exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the library or related components. System administrators should also consider implementing strict file type validation and content scanning before processing any panorama files, particularly those submitted by untrusted sources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and implementing robust memory safety practices in image processing applications, as these types of flaws can have cascading effects across multiple dependent systems and applications within an organization's infrastructure.