CVE-2022-4645 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2023
LibTIFF 4.4.0 has an out-of-bounds read in tiffcp in tools/tiffcp.c:948, 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 e8131125.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4645 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the LibTIFF library version 4.4.0, specifically affecting the tiffcp utility located in tools/tiffcp.c at line 948. This flaw manifests when processing specially crafted TIFF image files, creating a scenario where the application attempts to access memory beyond the allocated bounds of an array or buffer. The root cause stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the image processing pipeline, where the software fails to properly verify the dimensions or content of the TIFF file before attempting to copy or manipulate its data structures. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in image processing libraries given their widespread use in document management systems, digital imaging applications, and various enterprise software solutions that handle untrusted image data from multiple sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within environments where TIFF files are processed automatically. When an attacker crafts a malicious TIFF file that triggers the out-of-bounds read, the tiffcp utility will likely crash or terminate unexpectedly, resulting in service disruption for applications relying on this library. However, the broader implications include the potential for information disclosure, memory corruption, or even remote code execution depending on the specific execution environment and how the library is integrated into larger systems. The vulnerability affects not just the standalone tiffcp tool but any application that utilizes the LibTIFF library for TIFF file processing, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining large document repositories or digital imaging workflows. The out-of-bounds read occurs during the file copying process, suggesting that the flaw impacts the library's ability to properly handle TIFF file metadata and data structures, particularly when dealing with malformed or malicious input files.
From a security perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent memory access violations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a software exploitation technique, specifically falling under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution category, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to cause service disruption or system instability. The fix implemented in commit e8131125 addresses the core issue by introducing proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms within the tiffcp utility, ensuring that array accesses are properly validated against allocated memory boundaries. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability across all systems utilizing LibTIFF 4.4.0, particularly in environments where untrusted TIFF files are processed automatically, such as email servers, document management systems, or content delivery platforms. The remediation process requires careful consideration of backward compatibility, as the fix may alter expected behavior in edge cases, though the security benefits far outweigh the potential compatibility concerns in production environments.