CVE-2022-27571 in libsimba
Summary
by MITRE • 04/12/2022
Heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in sheifd_get_info_image function in libsimba library prior to SMR Apr-2022 Release 1 allows code execution by remote attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2022
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-27571 affects the libsimba library version prior to the SMR Apr-2022 Release 1, presenting a critical security risk that enables remote code execution through the sheifd_get_info_image function. This vulnerability represents a classic heap corruption flaw that occurs when the application fails to properly validate input data before processing it within heap-allocated memory regions. The flaw specifically manifests in the sheifd_get_info_image function which handles image information retrieval operations, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors who can craft specially crafted payloads to trigger the overflow condition. The vulnerability's classification as heap-based indicates that the buffer overflow occurs in dynamically allocated memory on the heap rather than on the stack, which can lead to more complex exploitation scenarios and potentially more stable exploitation conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the image processing pipeline of the libsimba library. When the sheifd_get_info_image function processes incoming image data, it fails to validate the size or structure of the input buffer before copying data into heap-allocated memory segments. This allows an attacker to provide malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer size, causing adjacent heap memory to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data. The heap overflow can potentially corrupt heap metadata, function pointers, or other critical data structures, enabling arbitrary code execution when the corrupted memory is subsequently accessed or freed. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to trigger the condition, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the library might be exposed to untrusted input from external sources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems that rely on the libsimba library for image processing functionality, particularly in enterprise environments, embedded systems, or network appliances that handle image data from external sources. The remote code execution capability allows attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, privilege escalation, or further lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, making it a high-priority target for threat actors seeking to establish persistent access or conduct advanced persistent threat operations. Organizations using affected versions of the library may face regulatory compliance issues, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences if systems are successfully compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-27571 should prioritize immediate patching of the libsimba library to the SMR Apr-2022 Release 1 or later versions that contain the necessary fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that utilize the vulnerable library, particularly those handling untrusted image data from external sources. Input validation measures should be strengthened at all layers of the application stack to prevent malformed data from reaching the vulnerable function, and runtime protections such as address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and heap integrity checks should be enabled where possible. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a potential technique for ATT&CK tactic T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and technique T1548.001 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism) when exploited for privilege escalation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing the affected library and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, including anomalous memory access patterns and unexpected code execution events.