CVE-2023-28393 in ImageGear
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2023
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the tif_processing_dng_channel_count functionality of Accusoft ImageGear 20.1. A specially crafted malformed file can lead to memory corruption. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28393 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Accusoft ImageGear 20.1 image processing library, specifically affecting the tif_processing_dng_channel_count function. This flaw resides in the handling of digital negative (DNG) image files, which are commonly used in professional photography and scientific imaging applications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when processing DNG file headers and metadata structures, creating an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, where a fixed-size buffer on the stack is exceeded by input data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or application crash. The vulnerability affects the core image processing functionality of Accusoft ImageGear, which is widely integrated into enterprise applications for image handling and document management systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious DNG file is processed by the vulnerable library, triggering the buffer overflow during the channel count processing routine. The tif_processing_dng_channel_count function fails to properly validate the number of channels specified in the DNG file header, allowing an attacker to craft a malformed file with oversized channel count values that exceed the allocated stack buffer space. This memory corruption can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the compromised application. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no user interaction beyond the mere presentation of a malicious file, making it suitable for automated exploitation in phishing campaigns or web-based attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28393 extends beyond simple application crashes, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through remote code execution. Organizations utilizing Accusoft ImageGear 20.1 in their document management, medical imaging, or digital photography workflows face significant risk, particularly those processing untrusted image files from external sources. The vulnerability affects systems where the library is embedded in web applications, desktop software, or server-side image processing services, creating multiple potential attack surfaces. Security teams must consider the widespread deployment of ImageGear across various industries including healthcare, finance, and government sectors where document integrity and system security are paramount. The exploitability of this vulnerability is heightened by the common use of DNG files in professional imaging workflows, making it more likely that attackers will encounter systems vulnerable to this specific flaw. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, file format restrictions, and application sandboxing to prevent exploitation while awaiting vendor patches. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs to identify and remediate similar issues in third-party libraries and components used across enterprise environments.