CVE-2024-24686 in libigl
Summary
by MITRE • 05/28/2024
Multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities exist in the readOFF functionality of libigl v2.5.0. A specially crafted .off file can lead to stack-based buffer overflow. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.This vulnerability concerns the parsing of comments within the faces section of an `.off` file processed via the `readOFF` function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24686 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the libigl library version 2.5.0, specifically affecting the readOFF functionality used for parsing .off files. This issue stems from inadequate input validation during the processing of comment sections within the faces portion of OFF (Object File Format) files, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability manifests when the library attempts to parse malformed OFF files containing specially crafted comments that exceed predetermined buffer boundaries, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of string parsing operations within the readOFF function, where comment data from the faces section is processed without adequate bounds checking. This weakness creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario as defined by CWE-121, where insufficient control of buffer boundaries allows attackers to overwrite stack data. The vulnerability specifically targets the parsing of comment fields within the OFF file format, which is commonly used for representing 3D mesh data in computational geometry applications. When the library encounters oversized comment strings during face data processing, the fixed-size buffers allocated on the stack cannot accommodate the excess data, causing overflow conditions that may corrupt adjacent memory locations including return addresses and local variables.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as stack-based buffer overflows can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. Attackers can craft malicious .off files containing oversized comment sections that trigger the overflow when processed by applications using libigl version 2.5.0, potentially allowing remote code execution or privilege escalation depending on the execution context. This vulnerability affects any software that relies on libigl for 3D mesh processing, including computational geometry tools, CAD applications, and scientific computing platforms. The attack vector requires only the ability to influence the input file processed by the vulnerable library, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can provide or upload OFF files, such as web applications or collaborative platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-24686 should prioritize immediate patching of libigl to version 2.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections. Organizations should implement input validation measures that enforce strict limits on comment field lengths within OFF files and consider employing stack protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization. Additionally, defensive programming practices should be adopted including the use of safe string handling functions and bounds checking in all file parsing operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code through file processing. System administrators should monitor for suspicious file uploads and implement sandboxing mechanisms for processing untrusted OFF files, while developers should adopt memory-safe programming practices and regular security testing to prevent similar issues in future releases.