CVE-2022-28042 in stb
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2022
stb_image.h v2.27 was discovered to contain an heap-based use-after-free via the function stbi__jpeg_huff_decode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28042 affects the stb_image.h library version 2.27, a widely used single-header library for image loading in C and C++ applications. This library is commonly integrated into software systems across various domains including gaming engines, web browsers, and multimedia applications that require image processing capabilities. The flaw manifests within the stbi__jpeg_huff_decode function which handles Huffman decoding operations during jpeg image parsing, making it a critical component in the image processing pipeline where memory management errors can have severe consequences.
The technical nature of this vulnerability constitutes a heap-based use-after-free condition that occurs when the stbi__jpeg_huff_decode function improperly manages memory allocation and deallocation sequences during jpeg decompression. Specifically, the function frees memory resources while maintaining references to previously freed memory locations, creating a scenario where subsequent memory accesses target deallocated heap regions. This memory corruption pattern allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes through carefully crafted malicious jpeg files that trigger the vulnerable code path during image parsing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability as it represents a significant security risk for systems processing untrusted image data. Attackers could leverage this flaw by delivering malicious jpeg files that, when processed by affected applications, trigger the use-after-free condition in the stbi__jpeg_huff_decode function. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and CWE-416 (Use After Free) which specifically addresses memory safety issues in software applications. Systems running applications that utilize the vulnerable stb_image.h library, particularly those processing user-uploaded content or external image sources, face heightened risk of compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28042 should prioritize immediate library updates to version 2.28 or later where the memory management issues have been addressed. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications and systems utilizing the affected library version, implementing automated scanning tools to detect vulnerable codebases. Additional defensive measures include input validation and sanitization of image files before processing, sandboxing image parsing operations, and implementing memory corruption detection mechanisms such as address sanitizers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and following secure coding practices for memory management, particularly in image processing components that handle untrusted data sources.