CVE-2022-3626 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2022
LibTIFF 4.4.0 has an out-of-bounds write in _TIFFmemset in libtiff/tif_unix.c:340 when called from processCropSelections, tools/tiffcrop.c:7619, allowing attackers to cause a denial-of-service via a crafted tiff file. For users that compile libtiff from sources, the fix is available with commit 236b7191.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3626 represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition within the LibTIFF library version 4.4.0, specifically affecting the _TIFFmemset function located in libtiff/tif_unix.c at line 340. This flaw manifests when the function is invoked through processCropSelections in tools/tiffcrop.c at line 7619, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted TIFF files can trigger unintended memory operations that exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the memory management routines of the TIFF processing library, which is widely used across various applications for handling raster image data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow scenario where the _TIFFmemset function fails to properly validate the size parameter before performing memory operations. When processCropSelections processes a specially crafted TIFF file containing malformed metadata or dimension specifications, the function attempts to write data beyond the intended memory allocation, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions. This out-of-bounds write operation can lead to application crashes, memory corruption, or in some cases, arbitrary code execution depending on the memory layout and exploitation conditions. The vulnerability specifically affects the Unix-specific implementation within LibTIFF, making it particularly relevant for systems running Linux, BSD, and other Unix-like operating systems that utilize this library for TIFF file processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3626 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it represents a potential security risk that could be exploited by attackers to disrupt services or potentially gain unauthorized access to systems. Applications that process untrusted TIFF files, including image viewers, document management systems, content management platforms, and digital asset management tools, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because TIFF files are commonly used in professional imaging workflows, print production environments, and digital publishing systems where automated processing of user-uploaded content is prevalent. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) when exploited in web-based applications or automated processing systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3626 primarily focus on immediate patching of the LibTIFF library to version 4.4.1 or later, which incorporates the fix referenced in commit 236b7191. Organizations should prioritize updating their systems and applications that depend on LibTIFF, particularly those handling user-uploaded content or processing external TIFF files. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures at application level can provide defense-in-depth protection against malformed TIFF files. System administrators should consider deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious file processing activities and implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Regular security audits of third-party libraries and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability assessments are essential practices to prevent similar issues from compromising system integrity. The fix addresses the root cause by introducing proper bounds checking in the _TIFFmemset function, ensuring that memory operations respect allocated buffer boundaries regardless of input parameters provided by malicious TIFF files.