CVE-2025-43964 in LibRaw
Summary
by MITRE • 04/21/2025
In LibRaw before 0.21.4, tag 0x412 processing in phase_one_correct in decoders/load_mfbacks.cpp does not enforce minimum w0 and w1 values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-43964 affects LibRaw versions prior to 0.21.4 and specifically targets the processing of tag 0x412 within the phase_one_correct function located in decoders/load_mfbacks.cpp. This issue represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution or system compromise. The flaw occurs during the image processing workflow when LibRaw handles Phase One camera raw files, which are commonly used in professional photography and scientific imaging applications.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper bounds checking for w0 and w1 parameters during the processing of tag 0x412. These parameters typically represent weighting factors or coefficients used in the image correction algorithms applied to Phase One camera data. When minimum value constraints are not enforced, maliciously crafted raw image files could contain invalid or extreme values for these parameters that would cause the application to behave unpredictably. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and represents a form of buffer underflow or out-of-bounds access that could be exploited by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it could enable remote code execution when vulnerable LibRaw versions are used in web applications, image processing pipelines, or digital asset management systems. Attackers could craft specially formatted raw image files that, when processed by affected software, would trigger the flawed parameter handling and potentially allow for arbitrary code execution on the target system. This risk is particularly concerning in environments where automated image processing occurs, such as content management systems, photo sharing platforms, or professional imaging workflows where untrusted user uploads are processed.
The exploitation of this vulnerability would likely follow ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and could potentially map to T1059 for execution of malicious code. The attack surface is broad given that LibRaw is widely used across various applications including photography software, image viewers, and content management systems. Organizations using vulnerable versions should prioritize immediate patching of their LibRaw installations, as the vulnerability exists in the core image processing logic rather than in user-facing components. System administrators should also implement additional input validation measures and consider sandboxing image processing operations to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. The fix in version 0.21.4 includes proper enforcement of minimum w0 and w1 values, which prevents the problematic parameter values from causing memory corruption or unexpected behavior during image processing operations.