CVE-2021-39432 in diplib
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2022
diplib v3.0.0 is vulnerable to Double Free.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39432 affects diplib version 3.0.0 and represents a critical double free condition that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. This issue manifests within the image processing library's memory management routines where improper handling of allocated memory blocks results in the same memory location being freed twice. The flaw occurs when the library processes certain image formats or performs specific operations that trigger the problematic code path, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory allocation patterns and execute malicious code.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-415, which specifically addresses double free conditions in memory management. The root cause stems from insufficient validation of memory allocation states within the diplib library's internal memory handling mechanisms. When the library encounters certain malformed image data or specific processing sequences, it fails to properly track memory block states, leading to the scenario where a single memory region gets deallocated twice. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited to corrupt the heap structure, potentially leading to code execution or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can be leveraged by attackers to achieve remote code execution in applications that utilize diplib for image processing tasks. Systems using diplib for processing untrusted image data from web applications, file upload mechanisms, or network-based image services become particularly vulnerable. The attack surface includes any application that integrates diplib and processes external image inputs, making this a significant concern for web applications, image processing servers, and digital media platforms. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input data that triggers the specific memory management path, but once achieved, it can provide attackers with elevated privileges or complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-39432 should prioritize immediate patching of diplib to version 3.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures for all image data processed through diplib, particularly when handling untrusted sources. Network segmentation and application firewalls can help limit the attack surface by restricting access to image processing endpoints. Additionally, implementing memory safety checks and heap integrity monitoring can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched applications to ensure compatibility and prevent regressions in image processing functionality while maintaining security posture against this critical double free vulnerability.