CVE-2021-38714 in Plib
Summary
by MITRE • 08/24/2021
In Plib through 1.85, there is an integer overflow vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is found in ssgLoadTGA() function in src/ssg/ssgLoadTGA.cxx file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The integer overflow vulnerability identified in Plib version 1.85 represents a critical security flaw that could enable remote code execution through improper input validation within the ssgLoadTGA() function. This vulnerability resides in the src/ssg/ssgLoadTGA.cxx source file and demonstrates a classic software defect where integer arithmetic operations fail to properly handle boundary conditions, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layouts and execute malicious code. The flaw specifically manifests when processing TGA image files, making it particularly dangerous in applications that handle user-supplied graphics content or perform automatic image parsing during software initialization. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it provides a direct pathway for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution, particularly in environments where Plib is used for rendering 3D graphics or handling image processing workflows.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate integer overflow checking within the ssgLoadTGA() function, which processes TGA file headers and calculates memory allocation sizes based on header values without proper validation of input boundaries. When an attacker supplies a malicious TGA file containing crafted header values that cause integer overflow during size calculations, the system allocates insufficient memory buffers while the code attempts to write beyond these boundaries. This memory corruption scenario creates exploitable conditions that align with common attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of code injection and memory corruption attacks. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses situations where integer operations produce values that exceed the maximum representable value for the data type, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential security breaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple attack vectors and system configurations where Plib is integrated, including but not limited to 3D rendering applications, game engines, simulation software, and graphics processing pipelines. Attackers could leverage this flaw by embedding malicious TGA files in web applications, file sharing systems, or software distribution channels, potentially compromising systems that automatically process or render these graphics files. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that it operates at the library level, meaning that any application utilizing Plib for TGA image handling becomes susceptible to the attack regardless of the application's own security measures. Systems running on Windows, Linux, or other operating systems that support Plib are all at risk, particularly when applications lack proper input sanitization or when automatic image loading occurs during application startup or runtime processing.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to Plib versions that address the integer overflow issue, implementing input validation controls within applications that utilize the library, and deploying runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries. Organizations should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all systems using Plib are updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes for integer overflow handling in the ssgLoadTGA() function. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the attack surface by restricting where and how TGA files can be processed or loaded within applications. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file processing patterns or memory allocation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts, while application developers should adopt defensive programming practices including bounds checking, proper integer overflow detection, and input sanitization to prevent similar issues from occurring in custom code that interfaces with the vulnerable library functions.