CVE-2022-1507 in chafa
Summary
by MITRE • 04/27/2022
chafa: NULL Pointer Dereference in function gif_internal_decode_frame at libnsgif.c:599 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted input file. in GitHub repository hpjansson/chafa prior to 1.10.2. chafa: NULL Pointer Dereference in function gif_internal_decode_frame at libnsgif.c:599 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted input file.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1507 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the chafa library's gif_internal_decode_frame function located in libnsgif.c at line 599. This issue affects the chafa image rendering library, specifically versions prior to 1.10.2, and demonstrates a classic software security weakness that can be exploited to cause system instability. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the GIF decoding process, where the application fails to properly check for null pointer conditions before attempting to dereference memory addresses. This flaw exists within the broader context of image processing libraries that must handle various file formats with different encoding standards and edge cases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the gif_internal_decode_frame function processes a malformed or crafted GIF file that contains unexpected data structures or corrupted metadata. During the decoding process, the function attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized or validated, leading to a null pointer dereference exception. This type of error typically results in an immediate application crash or termination, as the operating system cannot resolve the invalid memory reference. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core level of image processing functionality, where the application's stability directly impacts user experience and system reliability. The flaw aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations, and represents a common attack vector that has been documented across numerous image processing and multimedia libraries.
From an operational perspective, this denial of service vulnerability presents significant risk to systems that rely on chafa for image rendering and display functionality. Attackers can craft malicious GIF files that, when processed by affected versions of chafa, will cause the application to crash and terminate unexpectedly. This can be exploited in various real-world scenarios including web applications that process user-uploaded images, desktop applications that display GIF content, or any system that incorporates chafa as part of its image processing pipeline. The impact extends beyond simple application instability to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as persistent denial of service against web services or automated systems that depend on image processing capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign file format processing can become a critical security concern when proper input validation and error handling mechanisms are absent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1507 primarily involve upgrading to chafa version 1.10.2 or later, which includes proper null pointer checks and enhanced input validation within the gif_internal_decode_frame function. System administrators and developers should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate all image file formats before processing, particularly focusing on GIF files that may contain malformed headers or data structures. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and exception management within applications that utilize chafa can help prevent crashes from propagating to system-level failures. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those outlined in the ATT&CK framework for software exploitation techniques, particularly in the context of input validation and memory safety. Organizations should also consider implementing automated testing procedures that include fuzzing techniques to identify similar vulnerabilities in other image processing libraries and multimedia frameworks that may be in use within their infrastructure.