CVE-2024-40630 in OpenImageIO
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2024
OpenImageIO is a toolset for reading, writing, and manipulating image files of any image file format relevant to VFX / animation via a format-agnostic API with a feature set, scalability, and robustness needed for feature film production. In affected versions there is a bug in the heif input functionality of OpenImageIO. Specifically, in `HeifInput::seek_subimage()`. In the worst case, this can lead to an information disclosure vulnerability, particularly for programs that directly use the `ImageInput` APIs. This bug has been addressed in commit `0a2dcb4c` which is included in the 2.5.13.1 release. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40630 resides within OpenImageIO's handling of HEIF image format input functionality, specifically within the HeifInput::seek_subimage() method. This toolset serves as a critical component in visual effects and animation production environments where robust image processing capabilities are essential for feature film workflows. The vulnerability represents a significant security concern as it affects the core image input processing mechanisms that are widely utilized across the entertainment industry for handling various image file formats. The HEIF format support within OpenImageIO enables processing of advanced image containers that are increasingly common in modern digital media production pipelines, making this vulnerability particularly impactful for organizations relying on these tools for professional image manipulation.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of memory structures during subimage seeking operations within HEIF files, creating potential information disclosure pathways through memory corruption vulnerabilities. This issue falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and more specifically relates to CWE-200, concerning exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability occurs when the HeifInput::seek_subimage() function processes malformed or specially crafted HEIF input files, potentially leading to memory access violations that could expose sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with memory safety issues commonly found in C/C++ based image processing libraries where improper bounds checking and buffer management can result in unintended information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within VFX and animation production environments where OpenImageIO is extensively deployed for image processing workflows. Programs that directly utilize the ImageInput APIs are particularly at risk as they may inadvertently process malicious HEIF files, leading to potential exposure of sensitive information from memory segments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted HEIF files that trigger the memory access violation during subimage seeking operations, potentially exposing system memory contents including but not limited to authentication tokens, configuration data, or other sensitive application information. The lack of known workarounds means that organizations cannot mitigate this risk through configuration changes or temporary patches, making immediate upgrade to the patched version essential for maintaining security posture.
Organizations utilizing OpenImageIO in production environments should prioritize upgrading to version 2.5.13.1 which includes the fix committed as 0a2dcb4c. This release addresses the memory handling issues in the HEIF input processing functionality and resolves the information disclosure vulnerability through proper bounds checking and memory management protocols. The fix aligns with industry best practices for memory safety and follows established security guidelines for preventing information disclosure vulnerabilities in image processing libraries. Security teams should conduct immediate assessment of their deployment environments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of OpenImageIO and implement the upgrade as a critical security measure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, particularly those used in high-security environments where sensitive data processing occurs. This issue demonstrates how seemingly specialized functionality in professional image processing tools can present significant security risks when proper memory safety controls are not implemented, making the upgrade to the patched version essential for maintaining operational security in production environments.