CVE-2024-56826 in OpenJPEG
Summary
by MITRE • 01/09/2025
A flaw was found in the OpenJPEG project. A heap buffer overflow condition may be triggered when certain options are specified while using the opj_decompress utility. This can lead to an application crash or other undefined behavior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56826 represents a critical heap buffer overflow flaw within the OpenJPEG project, specifically affecting the opj_decompress utility. This issue arises from insufficient input validation when processing certain command-line options, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted parameters can trigger memory corruption. The OpenJPEG library serves as a widely-used open-source implementation for handling jpeg 2000 image format processing across numerous applications and systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for environments that rely heavily on image processing capabilities.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the decompression routine of the opj_decompress utility. When specific options are provided during command-line execution, the software fails to properly validate the size and content of input buffers before performing memory operations. This deficiency allows an attacker to supply crafted parameters that cause the application to write beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can manifest as application crashes or more severe undefined behavior. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue due to its potential for arbitrary code execution and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-56826 extends beyond simple application instability, as it can be leveraged by attackers to disrupt services or potentially execute malicious code within the context of the affected application. Systems utilizing OpenJPEG for image processing, including web applications, document management systems, and image analysis tools, face significant risk when this vulnerability is present. The exploitability of this flaw is enhanced by the fact that many applications that depend on OpenJPEG may automatically invoke the opj_decompress utility when processing user-uploaded content, creating a potential attack vector through file upload mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-56826 should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenJPEG versions, as the project has released updated libraries that address the heap buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures to prevent unauthorized command-line parameter injection, particularly in applications that process user-supplied image files through OpenJPEG components. Network-based defenses should include monitoring for suspicious file upload patterns and implementing sandboxing techniques to isolate image processing operations. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of OpenJPEG usage within their environments and ensure proper configuration management to prevent exploitation through malformed input parameters. The remediation process should also include updating dependent applications that utilize OpenJPEG to ensure compatibility with patched versions and prevent potential regression issues.