CVE-2023-0800 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
LibTIFF 4.4.0 has an out-of-bounds write in tiffcrop in tools/tiffcrop.c:3502, 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 33aee127.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0800 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the LibTIFF library version 4.4.0, specifically affecting the tiffcrop utility located in tools/tiffcrop.c at line 3502. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and memory management when processing specially crafted TIFF image files, creating a potential avenue for denial-of-service attacks. The flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow vulnerability pattern where the application writes data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to system instability or complete service interruption. The vulnerability impacts users who compile LibTIFF from source code, as the fix requires applying a specific commit reference that addresses the underlying memory handling error.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the tiffcrop utility's processing logic for TIFF file headers and metadata structures. When the application encounters malformed TIFF files containing crafted data sequences, it fails to properly validate array indices or buffer sizes before performing write operations. This error manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program state or triggering segmentation faults. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory corruption and input validation failures, making it particularly dangerous in environments where TIFF files are processed automatically or through automated workflows. The CWE-787 identifier applies to this vulnerability as it represents an out-of-bounds write that could be exploited to cause system instability.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risk to systems that process TIFF image files, particularly in environments where automated image processing pipelines exist. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious TIFF files that, when processed by tiffcrop or applications that utilize the affected LibTIFF library, trigger the out-of-bounds write condition. The resulting denial-of-service impact can affect not only the specific utility but potentially compromise the entire system if the vulnerability allows for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability affects organizations using LibTIFF in document management systems, image processing servers, or any application that handles TIFF format files without proper input sanitization. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation and denial-of-service techniques, as it can be leveraged to disrupt services and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate application of the fix provided through commit 33aee127, which corrects the memory boundary checking logic in the tiffcrop utility. System administrators should prioritize updating their LibTIFF installations to versions containing this patch, particularly in production environments where TIFF file processing occurs. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and sandboxing techniques for TIFF file processing can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary TIFF processing capabilities and implementing strict file format validation before processing any external image content. Regular security assessments of image processing pipelines and monitoring for anomalous behavior during file processing can help detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities.