CPU Resource Exhaustion Vulnerability in libexif - CVE-2018-20030
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2018-20030: An error when processing the EXIF_IFD_INTEROPERABILITY and EXIF_IFD_EXIF tags within libexif version 0.6.21 can be exploited to exhaust available CPU resources. Affects libexif versions < 0.6.22-r0. Fixed in 0.6.22-r0. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
libexif is a library used for reading and writing EXIF data in image files. It is widely utilized in various applications that handle image processing. The library provides functionalities to extract metadata from images, which is essential for applications that require image manipulation or display. However, a vulnerability was discovered in version 0.6.21 that allows attackers to exploit specific EXIF tags, leading to potential denial of service by exhausting CPU resources.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2018-20030, arises from an error in processing the EXIF_IFD_INTEROPERABILITY and EXIF_IFD_EXIF tags within libexif version 0.6.21. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to create specially crafted image files that, when processed, can consume excessive CPU resources, resulting in a denial of service. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level, and poses significant risks to systems relying on this library for image handling.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0.6.22-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade libexifTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If updating the package is not immediately feasible, consider implementing input validation to restrict the types of image files processed by your application. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation until the package is updated.
Conclusion
CVE-2018-20030 is a significant vulnerability in libexif that can lead to CPU resource exhaustion. It is crucial for users of this library to update to the patched version to mitigate risks. Additionally, utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for libexif →
FAQ
CVE-2018-20030 is a vulnerability in libexif that allows attackers to exhaust CPU resources by exploiting specific EXIF tags.
You can check if your application is affected by using the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner, which analyzes your manifest file for vulnerabilities.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to denial of service, making your application unresponsive due to excessive CPU usage.
Yes, the patched version of libexif is 0.6.22-r0. Updating to this version will resolve the vulnerability.
Implement input validation to restrict image file types processed by your application as a temporary workaround.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for libexif.
