CVE-2024-32617 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
HDF5 Library through 1.14.3 contains a heap-based buffer over-read caused by the unsafe use of strdup in H5MM_xstrdup in H5MM.c (called from H5G__ent_to_link in H5Glink.c).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2024
The HDF5 Library vulnerability CVE-2024-32617 represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw that emerges from unsafe string handling practices within the library's memory management subsystem. This vulnerability resides in the H5MM_xstrdup function located in H5MM.c, which is invoked by H5G__ent_to_link in H5Glink.c, creating a chain of function calls that ultimately leads to memory corruption. The issue stems from the improper use of strdup, a function that allocates memory based on the length of the input string but fails to account for proper bounds checking during memory operations. When processing certain malformed or crafted input data, the library attempts to duplicate strings without adequate validation, resulting in reads beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic heap-based buffer over-read condition where the application reads memory locations that extend beyond the allocated buffer space. This occurs because the H5MM_xstrdup function does not perform sufficient validation of input parameters or buffer boundaries before performing string duplication operations. The flaw manifests when the library processes group entries containing specially crafted metadata that triggers the unsafe strdup usage path. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which specifically addresses situations where applications read data beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significant as it can lead to information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially remote code execution depending on the memory layout and subsequent processing of the corrupted data.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to systems relying on HDF5 for data storage and retrieval operations, particularly in environments handling large datasets or processing untrusted input from external sources. The impact extends across multiple attack vectors since HDF5 is widely used in scientific computing, data analysis platforms, and applications that store complex hierarchical data structures. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious HDF5 files that trigger the unsafe string duplication path during group entry processing. The vulnerability's presence in the H5G__ent_to_link function suggests that any application utilizing HDF5's group linking functionality could be affected, making it particularly concerning for data processing systems that handle user-provided or third-party data files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption technique under the T1059.007 sub-technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as exploitation could enable adversaries to manipulate memory contents and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32617 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HDF5 Library versions through the vendor-provided updates that address the unsafe strdup usage pattern. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all data processed through HDF5 operations, particularly when handling external or untrusted sources. System administrators should consider deploying runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous memory access patterns or buffer over-read conditions during HDF5 operations. The implementation of address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of systems utilizing HDF5 should include thorough testing of memory management functions to identify potential similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding practices that emphasize proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation, particularly for string manipulation functions. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and implementing robust security controls around data processing pipelines that handle complex file formats.