CVE-2024-32623 in HDF5
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
HDF5 Library through 1.14.3 contains a heap-based buffer overflow in H5VM_array_fill in H5VM.c (called from H5S_select_elements in H5Spoint.c).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2024
The HDF5 Library version 1.14.3 and earlier contains a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability designated as CVE-2024-32623. This vulnerability exists within the H5VM_array_fill function located in the H5VM.c file, which is invoked by the H5S_select_elements function in H5Spoint.c. The flaw represents a fundamental memory management issue that can be exploited through improper bounds checking during array operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of array dimensions and element counts when processing structured data within the HDF5 format, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted input data.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when the library processes selection operations on point datasets, specifically when handling element-based selections that involve array filling operations. The H5VM_array_fill function fails to properly validate the size of arrays being populated, allowing an attacker to provide input data that exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries. This condition creates a situation where memory adjacent to the allocated buffer can be overwritten, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability manifests during normal library operations when processing HDF5 files containing maliciously crafted point selections, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted data is processed.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-32623 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable attackers to achieve privilege escalation or denial of service conditions depending on the execution environment. Systems utilizing HDF5 libraries for scientific computing, data storage, or analysis may be vulnerable when processing external data sources, including files from untrusted origins or user-generated content. The vulnerability affects applications across multiple domains including high-performance computing environments, data analysis platforms, and scientific research systems that rely on HDF5 for data management. Given the widespread adoption of HDF5 in enterprise and research environments, the potential for exploitation is significant, particularly in scenarios where automated processing of external datasets occurs without proper input validation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application to the latest stable version of the HDF5 library, which addresses the buffer overflow through proper bounds checking and memory allocation validation. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation procedures for all HDF5 data processing pipelines, particularly those handling untrusted or externally sourced datasets. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a potential entry point for attackers following ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Additional defensive measures include deployment of memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and runtime application control to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of systems utilizing HDF5 components should be conducted to identify and remediate similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in related software libraries.