CVE-2025-61144 in libtiff
Summary
by MITRE • 02/23/2026
libtiff up to v4.7.1 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the readSeparateStripsIntoBuffer function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-61144 affects the libtiff library version 4.7.1 and earlier, representing a critical stack overflow condition that arises within the readSeparateStripsIntoBuffer function. This issue demonstrates a classic buffer management flaw where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted TIFF files to trigger excessive memory allocation on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability resides in the library's handling of separate strips within TIFF image files, where the function fails to properly validate the size parameters before attempting to allocate memory for buffer operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious TIFF file containing malformed strip data is processed by applications using libtiff versions up to 4.7.1. The readSeparateStripsIntoBuffer function does not adequately check the dimensions or count of strips before allocating stack memory, creating a scenario where an attacker can craft a file that causes the function to allocate a buffer larger than the available stack space. This condition violates fundamental security principles of memory safety and can be classified under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. The vulnerability represents a direct threat to applications that process untrusted TIFF image files, including document management systems, image viewers, and digital asset management platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-61144 extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides a potential attack vector for remote code execution in environments where libtiff is used to process user-uploaded content. Systems utilizing libtiff for image processing, particularly those in web applications, document repositories, and multimedia platforms, face significant risk when running vulnerable versions. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web-based file uploads, email attachments, or automated processing of image files, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where TIFF files are commonly processed. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute code on systems processing TIFF files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-61144 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to libtiff 4.7.2 or later, which contain patches addressing the stack overflow condition in readSeparateStripsIntoBuffer. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable libtiff versions and implement patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates. Additionally, input validation controls should be strengthened at application layers that process TIFF files, including implementing strict file format validation and size limitations. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection by scanning uploaded TIFF files for suspicious patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper memory management in C/C++ libraries and highlights the need for regular security auditing of widely-used open source components, particularly those handling binary file formats that may be subject to malicious input manipulation.