CVE-2023-0797 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
LibTIFF 4.4.0 has an out-of-bounds read in tiffcrop in libtiff/tif_unix.c:368, invoked by tools/tiffcrop.c:2903 and tools/tiffcrop.c:6921, 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 afaabc3e.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0797 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the LibTIFF library version 4.4.0, specifically affecting the tiffcrop utility. This flaw exists in the Unix-specific implementation file tif_unix.c at line 368 and is triggered through invocation paths in the tools/tiffcrop.c file at lines 2903 and 6921. The out-of-bounds read occurs when processing specially crafted TIFF image files, creating a scenario where malicious input can cause the application to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior and system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely through file processing, making it a prime target for denial-of-service attacks that can disrupt legitimate system operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking within the tiffcrop utility's memory handling routines. When the utility processes a malformed TIFF file, the code fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations, resulting in an out-of-bounds read operation. This type of memory safety issue creates opportunities for attackers to craft specific TIFF files that trigger the vulnerability during normal processing operations. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper input sanitization and bounds checking mechanisms in image processing libraries. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate application but also represents a broader security concern for systems that rely on LibTIFF for image manipulation and processing tasks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0797 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions to potentially compromise system availability and stability. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading or distributing maliciously crafted TIFF files that, when processed by applications using the affected LibTIFF version, will cause the tiffcrop utility to crash or behave unpredictably. This can result in service disruption for applications that depend on TIFF file processing, including document management systems, image servers, and digital asset management platforms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where automated processing occurs, as it could lead to cascading failures when multiple files are processed in sequence. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a low-effort, high-impact method for causing system downtime and can be easily automated for large-scale denial-of-service attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0797 involve immediate patching and implementation of defensive measures to protect systems from exploitation. The recommended fix is to upgrade to a patched version of LibTIFF that includes the commit afaabc3e, which addresses the out-of-bounds read condition through proper input validation and boundary checking. Organizations should prioritize updating their systems and applications that depend on LibTIFF to ensure they are not vulnerable to this attack vector. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection, where applications can reject malformed TIFF files before they reach the vulnerable library functions. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious file processing patterns and automated scanning of TIFF files for potential malicious content. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and keeping third-party libraries updated, as this issue demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in widely-used software components.