CVE-2023-0803 in LibTIFF
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
LibTIFF 4.4.0 has an out-of-bounds write in tiffcrop in tools/tiffcrop.c:3516, 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-2023-0803 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 3516. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and memory boundary checking during the processing of TIFF image files, creating a potential vector for remote code execution or system compromise when maliciously crafted TIFF files are processed by applications relying on this library. The vulnerability impacts any system where LibTIFF is compiled from source and utilized for image processing operations, particularly in environments where untrusted TIFF files are handled or converted.
The technical flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when the tiffcrop utility processes malformed TIFF input files without proper bounds checking. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of array indices or buffer sizes during TIFF file parsing operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions. When the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, it can cause unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, or in severe cases, arbitrary code execution depending on the system architecture and memory layout.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it can be exploited to cause system instability and potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can craft malicious TIFF files that trigger the out-of-bounds write condition when processed by any application using the vulnerable LibTIFF library, including image viewers, conversion tools, or server applications handling file uploads. This creates a significant risk for web applications, file processing services, and automated systems that accept and process TIFF image files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where automated processing of user-uploaded content occurs, as it can be leveraged to disrupt services or potentially escalate privileges.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the fixed version of LibTIFF that includes commit 33aee127, which addresses the out-of-bounds write vulnerability through proper input validation and memory boundary checks. Organizations should also consider implementing file validation mechanisms that reject suspicious TIFF files before processing, deploying network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input sanitization and bounds checking in image processing libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command-line interfaces and T1499.004 for network disruption. System administrators should prioritize patching this vulnerability across all systems that utilize LibTIFF for image processing operations, particularly in environments where untrusted file inputs are common.