CVE-2024-25443 in Hugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/09/2024
An issue in the HuginBase::ImageVariable::linkWith function of Hugin v2022.0.0 allows attackers to cause a heap-use-after-free via parsing a crafted image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25443 resides within the Hugin image stitching software version 2022.0.0, specifically within the HuginBase::ImageVariable::linkWith function. This flaw represents a critical heap-use-after-free vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious image files designed to trigger the vulnerable code path. The issue occurs during the parsing phase of image files, where improper memory management leads to the reuse of freed heap memory, creating potential for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management practices within the linkWith function, which handles the linking of image variables during the stitching process. When processing crafted image files, the software fails to properly validate or manage the lifecycle of dynamically allocated memory objects. This improper memory handling creates a scenario where memory that has been freed is subsequently accessed, leading to the heap-use-after-free condition. The vulnerability manifests when the application parses malformed image data that causes the function to free memory structures while simultaneously attempting to reference them, violating fundamental memory safety principles and creating exploitable conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for remote code execution or denial of service attacks. An attacker who can successfully craft a malicious image file could trigger this vulnerability when the target system processes the image through Hugin's image stitching functionality. The heap-use-after-free condition could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, or to cause a crash that results in denial of service for legitimate users. This vulnerability affects systems that utilize Hugin for image processing, particularly those that automatically process or import images from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25443 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Hugin installations to version 2022.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement defensive measures such as input validation and sanitization for all image files processed through Hugin, particularly those from external sources or untrusted origins. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems running Hugin to potential attack vectors. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns or application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions, and represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in image processing software.