CVE-2023-0802 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
LibTIFF 4.4.0 has an out-of-bounds write in tiffcrop in tools/tiffcrop.c:3724, 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-2023-0802 represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition within the LibTIFF library version 4.4.0, specifically affecting the tiffcrop utility located in tools/tiffcrop.c at line 3724. This flaw arises when processing maliciously crafted TIFF image files, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate memory allocation and write operations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the image processing pipeline, particularly in how the tool handles certain metadata structures during image cropping operations. The issue demonstrates a classic memory safety vulnerability that can be exploited to disrupt system operations and potentially escalate to more severe consequences depending on the execution environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition where the tiffcrop utility fails to properly validate the size and structure of TIFF file components before attempting to write data to memory locations. This type of flaw falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities in software systems. The attack vector requires an adversary to prepare a specially crafted TIFF file that, when processed by the vulnerable tiffcrop utility, triggers the memory corruption. The out-of-bounds write occurs during the image processing workflow where the application attempts to copy or manipulate image data without proper bounds checking, allowing arbitrary memory modification that can lead to application crashes or unpredictable behavior.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant denial-of-service risks to systems that rely on LibTIFF for image processing tasks. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it can affect any application or system that utilizes the tiffcrop utility or the underlying LibTIFF library for TIFF file handling. Organizations using embedded systems, digital imaging workflows, or document processing pipelines may experience service interruptions when encountering malicious TIFF files. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or process external image files. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through manipulation of file formats, and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-0802 involves immediate application of the patch provided in commit 33aee127, which addresses the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize updating their LibTIFF installations to versions containing the fix, particularly in environments where TIFF file processing is a common operation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation procedures for all image file processing workflows and consider deploying automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious TIFF files before they are processed. Additionally, maintaining updated security patches and implementing proper access controls around image processing systems can significantly reduce the risk exposure. The fix demonstrates the importance of memory safety practices in image processing libraries and highlights the need for robust input validation in multimedia handling components. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on buffer management and memory allocation practices should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the software ecosystem.