CVE-2024-32622 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
HDF5 Library through 1.14.3 contains a out-of-bounds read operation in H5FL_arr_malloc in H5FL.c (called from H5S_set_extent_simple in H5S.c).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2025
The HDF5 Library vulnerability CVE-2024-32622 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that manifests within the memory management subsystem of the library. This vulnerability exists in versions through 1.14.3 and specifically targets the H5FL_arr_malloc function located in H5FL.c. The flaw occurs when the library processes certain data structures during the H5S_set_extent_simple operation in H5S.c, creating a scenario where memory is accessed beyond its allocated boundaries. Such out-of-bounds read conditions typically arise when input validation is insufficient or when array indexing calculations fail to properly constrain memory access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure, system instability, or potential exploitation. This type of memory safety issue is particularly concerning in scientific computing environments where HDF5 is extensively used for storing and managing large datasets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the memory allocation and deallocation functions of the HDF5 library. When H5FL_arr_malloc is invoked during the H5S_set_extent_simple process, the function fails to adequately validate array dimensions or memory boundaries before performing memory operations. This flaw creates a situation where an attacker could potentially craft malicious input data that triggers the out-of-bounds read condition. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that HDF5 is widely deployed across scientific computing, data analysis, and storage applications where libraries often process untrusted data inputs. The out-of-bounds read operation could expose sensitive memory contents, potentially revealing stack contents, heap data, or other internal library state information. This memory disclosure capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers data from local system collection, and could be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-32622 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a potential vector for information disclosure and system stability compromise. Systems utilizing affected HDF5 versions may experience crashes or undefined behavior when processing malformed data structures, leading to denial of service conditions. In environments where HDF5 processes data from external sources or user inputs, this vulnerability could be exploited to extract sensitive information from memory, potentially including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential data. The vulnerability affects applications across multiple domains including scientific research, financial data processing, and data storage systems where HDF5 is the primary format for data exchange. Organizations running applications that depend on HDF5 for data management should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority risk due to its potential for both information disclosure and service disruption. The flaw's exploitation requires careful crafting of input data that triggers the specific memory access pattern, making it less trivial to exploit but still present in production environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32622 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HDF5 library versions to 1.14.4 or later, where the out-of-bounds read condition has been corrected. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all applications and services that utilize the vulnerable HDF5 library, particularly those processing untrusted data inputs. Network segmentation and input validation measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers, ensuring that malformed data cannot reach vulnerable library functions. Monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual memory access patterns or application crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement automated patch management processes to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across their infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management for critical system libraries, particularly those handling sensitive data processing. Security teams should consider implementing memory safety testing frameworks and static analysis tools to identify similar patterns in other library components, reducing the risk of future vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation attempts targeting memory safety flaws in widely-used libraries.