CVE-2022-43599 in OpenImageIO
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2022
Multiple code execution vulnerabilities exist in the IFFOutput::close() functionality of OpenImageIO Project OpenImageIO v2.4.4.2. A specially crafted ImageOutput Object can lead to a heap buffer overflow. An attacker can provide malicious input to trigger these vulnerabilities.This vulnerability arises when the `xmax` variable is set to 0xFFFF and `m_spec.format` is `TypeDesc::UINT8`
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2023
The CVE-2022-43599 vulnerability represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition within the OpenImageIO library's IFFOutput::close() function, which forms part of the broader OpenImageIO project version 2.4.4.2. This flaw manifests when processing specially crafted ImageOutput objects that manipulate the xmax variable to 0xFFFF while simultaneously setting m_spec.format to TypeDesc::UINT8. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and image processing, creating a scenario where improper bounds checking allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through memory corruption. The affected code path directly relates to the Image File Format (IFF) output handling functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where image processing libraries handle untrusted input from external sources.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the IFFOutput::close() method, which fails to properly validate the xmax parameter before using it to calculate buffer sizes for memory allocation. When xmax is set to the maximum 16-bit unsigned integer value of 0xFFFF, the subsequent calculation of buffer dimensions results in an excessively large memory allocation that exceeds the bounds of the allocated heap space. This condition creates a heap buffer overflow scenario where adjacent memory regions become overwritten, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow through controlled data corruption. The vulnerability specifically leverages the TypeDesc::UINT8 format specification to amplify the impact, as this data type requires specific memory alignment and handling that compounds the overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-43599 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that align with the attack techniques catalogued in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially achieve arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, and persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects any application or service that utilizes OpenImageIO for image processing, including content management systems, digital asset management platforms, and multimedia applications. The heap overflow condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be exploited through controlled input manipulation, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems through image file processing.
Security mitigations for CVE-2022-43599 should prioritize immediate patching of OpenImageIO to version 2.4.5 or later, which includes proper bounds checking and input validation for the xmax parameter. Organizations should implement defensive programming practices including input sanitization, memory safety checks, and runtime protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. Additionally, network segmentation and input validation at the application level can provide additional layers of protection, while monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns and heap corruption indicators should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts.