CVE-2022-25942 in libhdf5
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2022
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in the gif2h5 functionality of HDF5 Group libhdf5 1.10.4. A specially-crafted GIF file can lead to code execution. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-25942 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the gif2h5 functionality of the HDF5 library version 1.10.4. This issue resides in the libhdf5 software suite developed by the HDF Group, which is widely utilized for storing and managing complex scientific data across various domains including climate modeling, genomics, and astrophysics. The vulnerability specifically affects the conversion process from GIF image format to HDF5 format, where the software fails to properly validate input data boundaries during the parsing of GIF file structures. When processing maliciously crafted GIF files, the library attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution. This flaw demonstrates a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited through improper input validation mechanisms within the image format conversion pipeline.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during GIF file parsing operations within the gif2h5 utility component of libhdf5. When the software encounters a specially crafted GIF file, it processes the file header and image data without sufficient validation of array indices or buffer limits. This allows an attacker to manipulate the GIF structure in such a way that subsequent memory access operations read beyond the intended data boundaries. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds memory read that can be triggered through the gif2h5 conversion utility, which is typically invoked when converting GIF images to HDF5 format for scientific data storage. The flaw operates at the intersection of image format handling and memory management, where insufficient input sanitization permits malicious data to cause unexpected memory access patterns that can be leveraged for code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-25942 extends beyond simple data corruption, presenting a severe security risk that can enable remote code execution on systems utilizing vulnerable versions of libhdf5. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious GIF files that, when processed through the gif2h5 utility, trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated processing of user-uploaded content occurs, as it can be exploited through file upload mechanisms without requiring user interaction. The exploitation potential aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of code injection, specifically targeting memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects systems where the gif2h5 utility is accessible or where the library is used in applications that process GIF files, creating a broad attack surface that includes scientific computing environments, data analysis platforms, and content management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-25942 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements in input validation. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of libhdf5 where available, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should implement restrictive file processing policies that prevent untrusted GIF files from being processed through the gif2h5 utility, particularly in automated environments. The implementation of defensive programming practices including bounds checking, input sanitization, and memory safety mechanisms should be enforced throughout the software development lifecycle. Security measures should include monitoring for suspicious file processing activities and implementing sandboxing techniques for image format conversion utilities. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable versions of libhdf5 and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient input validation, and represents a critical weakness in the software's memory safety mechanisms that requires both immediate remediation and architectural review to prevent similar issues in the future.