CVE-2023-0798 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
LibTIFF 4.4.0 has an out-of-bounds read in tiffcrop in tools/tiffcrop.c:3400, 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-2023-0798 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the LibTIFF library version 4.4.0, specifically affecting the tiffcrop utility located in tools/tiffcrop.c at line 3400. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking when processing specially crafted TIFF image files, creating a scenario where maliciously constructed image data can trigger memory access violations. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that occur when software attempts to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in image processing libraries given the widespread use of TIFF format across various applications and systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the tiffcrop utility's failure to properly validate the dimensions and structure of input TIFF files before attempting to process their contents. When an attacker provides a malformed TIFF file containing crafted metadata or image data, the software's parsing logic does not adequately check array bounds or memory allocation limits, leading to memory access violations that cause the application to crash or terminate unexpectedly. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities through malformed input processing. The out-of-bounds read occurs during the image cropping operation, where the utility attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly allocated or validated.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0798 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it can be leveraged by attackers to disrupt legitimate operations and potentially escalate attacks. Systems that rely on LibTIFF for image processing, including document management systems, digital asset management platforms, and various imaging applications, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability affects both automated processing pipelines and manual user operations, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where TIFF files are frequently processed. In addition to causing service interruptions, this flaw could potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve more severe outcomes, though the immediate impact remains focused on denial-of-service conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0798 require immediate deployment of the fix available through commit afaabc3e, which addresses the boundary checking issue in the tiffcrop utility. Organizations should prioritize updating their LibTIFF installations to versions containing this patch, particularly in environments where untrusted TIFF files are processed or where the tiffcrop utility is exposed to external inputs. System administrators should implement input validation measures and consider sandboxing image processing operations to limit potential impact should other vulnerabilities be present. For users compiling LibTIFF from source code, the fix should be integrated immediately, and additional security measures such as file format validation and memory protection mechanisms should be considered. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party libraries and implementing robust input validation practices in image processing applications.