CVE-2024-48856 in QNX Software Development Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2025
Out-of-bounds write in the PCX image codec in QNX SDP versions 8.0, 7.1 and 7.0 could allow an unauthenticated attacker to cause a denial-of-service condition or execute code in the context of the process using the image codec.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-48856 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the PCX image codec implementation of QNX Software Development Platform versions 8.0, 7.1, and 7.0. This issue resides in the handling of PCX image format parsing where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted image files to trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of image dimensions and data structures during the decoding process, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout through crafted input data.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves an attacker constructing a malicious PCX file that contains malformed dimensions or pixel data that exceeds allocated buffer boundaries. When the QNX system attempts to process this malformed image through the affected codec, the out-of-bounds write operation can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical process data structures or even allowing arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to memory corruption and potential privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-48856 extends beyond simple denial-of-service scenarios, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely by unauthenticated attackers who have no prior access to the system. Systems utilizing QNX SDP for image processing, particularly those in automotive, industrial control, or embedded environments, face significant risk since these platforms often lack traditional security mitigations. The vulnerability affects systems where PCX image decoding is performed without proper input sanitization, making it particularly dangerous in environments where image files are processed from untrusted sources.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses any application or service within QNX SDP that utilizes the affected PCX codec for image processing, including but not limited to display servers, image viewers, and embedded applications that handle image data. The lack of authentication requirements means that exploitation can occur through simple file delivery or web-based attacks, making it particularly concerning for systems that process images automatically. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the process context of the image processing application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-48856 should prioritize immediate patching of affected QNX SDP versions to address the memory corruption issue in the PCX codec implementation. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all image files processed by systems running QNX SDP, including additional bounds checking and size validation before image decoding operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems that process untrusted image data. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential codec vulnerabilities in embedded systems, particularly in automotive and industrial environments where QNX SDP is commonly deployed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in embedded systems where resource constraints may limit traditional security mitigations, making early detection and patching essential for maintaining system integrity.