CVE-2021-44860 in Drawings SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 12/21/2021
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists when reading a TIF file using Open Design Alliance Drawings SDK before 2022.12. The specific issue exists after loading TIF files. An unchecked input data from a crafted TIF file leads to an out-of-bounds read. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-44860 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Open Design Alliance Drawings SDK version prior to 2022.12. This vulnerability specifically manifests during the processing of Tagged Image File Format files and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the SDK's TIF file handling routines. The flaw occurs when the software attempts to parse and load malformed TIF files without proper bounds checking on the input data structure, creating a scenario where memory access violations can occur. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation issue, where the system fails to properly validate the size and structure of input data before processing it. This particular weakness allows for memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the application's security context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially designed TIF file that contains malformed data structures which, when processed by the vulnerable SDK, triggers the out-of-bounds read condition. The unchecked input data from the crafted TIF file causes the application to attempt reading memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially leading to information disclosure or arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety issues and privilege escalation concerns, as the attacker can execute code within the context of the currently running process, potentially gaining access to sensitive system resources or data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption vulnerability that can be leveraged for code injection techniques, specifically under the Tactic of Execution and the Technique of Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-44860 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates a potential pathway for complete system compromise when exploited. Applications utilizing the vulnerable Open Design Alliance Drawings SDK in environments where TIF files are processed, such as document management systems, CAD applications, or any software that handles raster image formats, become vulnerable to remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where document processing workflows are common, as attackers could exploit this weakness to gain persistent access to systems through compromised applications. Organizations running affected versions of the SDK must consider the potential for lateral movement within their networks, as the executed code would operate with the privileges of the compromised application process. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly for libraries and SDKs that process untrusted file formats, as these components often serve as attack vectors for sophisticated exploitation campaigns. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the SDK to version 2022.12 or later, along with implementing additional input validation layers and monitoring for suspicious file processing activities within affected applications.