CVE-2023-46052 in Sane
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2024
Sane 1.2.1 heap bounds overwrite in init_options() from backend/test.c via a long init_mode string in a configuration file. NOTE: this is disputed because there is no expectation that test.c code should be executed with an attacker-controlled configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46052 represents a heap-based buffer overflow condition within the SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy) project version 1.2.1. This flaw manifests specifically within the init_options() function located in the backend/test.c source file, where a maliciously crafted configuration file containing an excessively long init_mode string can trigger memory corruption. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking during the processing of configuration parameters, allowing an attacker to overwrite adjacent heap memory regions beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of a configuration file that gets parsed by the SANE backend components. When the init_options() function processes the init_mode parameter, it fails to properly validate the length of the input string against the allocated buffer size. This classic buffer overflow scenario enables an attacker to inject data beyond the intended memory allocation, potentially corrupting heap metadata or adjacent memory structures. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though the heap-based nature of the actual memory corruption makes this more accurately described as a heap-based buffer overflow. The flaw demonstrates poor memory management practices and inadequate input sanitization within the scanner backend processing pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability remains somewhat constrained due to the disputed nature of its exploitation path. Security researchers have questioned the practical applicability since the test.c code is not typically executed with attacker-controlled configuration files in normal operational scenarios. However, the potential for exploitation exists in environments where configuration files might be manipulated or when the test backend is inadvertently activated. The vulnerability could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service conditions, or information disclosure if an attacker can successfully leverage the heap corruption to manipulate program flow or access sensitive memory regions. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this under privilege escalation and execution techniques, specifically targeting the execution of malicious code through software vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46052 should focus on input validation and secure coding practices within the SANE backend components. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict bounds checking for all configuration parameters, particularly those that are string-based, ensuring that input lengths are validated against predetermined maximum values before memory allocation occurs. Additionally, the SANE project should consider removing or disabling the test.c backend functionality in production environments where it is not explicitly required. Code reviews and static analysis tools should be employed to identify similar buffer overflow patterns throughout the codebase, particularly in areas where external input is processed. Regular updates to the SANE software package are essential as the maintainers address this vulnerability through proper buffer management and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict file access controls for configuration files and monitor for unauthorized modifications that could potentially leverage this or similar vulnerabilities.