CVE-2024-32611 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
HDF5 Library through 1.14.3 may use an uninitialized value in H5A__attr_release_table in H5Aint.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The HDF5 library vulnerability CVE-2024-32611 represents a critical uninitialized memory access issue within the attribute release functionality of the library. This flaw exists in versions through 1.14.3 and specifically affects the H5A__attr_release_table function located in the H5Aint.c source file. The vulnerability stems from the improper initialization of memory variables during attribute processing operations, creating potential security risks when handling structured data files that utilize HDF5 format.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of uninitialized memory values during the attribute release process, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation opportunities. When the H5A__attr_release_table function processes attribute data structures, it fails to properly initialize certain memory locations before utilizing their contents. This uninitialized value usage creates a pathway for attackers to potentially manipulate memory states or extract sensitive information through carefully crafted input data. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-457 category of use of uninitialized variables, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability can enable attackers to exploit memory access patterns in systems that rely on HDF5 for data storage and retrieval operations. The uninitialized memory access could potentially be leveraged to cause application crashes, data corruption, or in more sophisticated scenarios, provide a foothold for further exploitation. Systems processing large datasets, scientific computing environments, or applications handling sensitive data through HDF5 format are particularly at risk, as the vulnerability can be triggered during normal attribute processing operations. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling information disclosure or arbitrary code execution depending on the specific attack vector and system configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32611 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HDF5 library versions to the latest releases that contain the fix for uninitialized memory access. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of systems that utilize HDF5 libraries to detect any anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, input validation measures should be strengthened to prevent malformed attribute data from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Security teams should consider implementing runtime protections and memory integrity checks for applications that heavily rely on HDF5 functionality. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as exploitation might involve crafting specific data inputs that trigger the uninitialized memory access during normal processing operations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data compromise in affected systems.