Out-of-Bounds Heap Read Vulnerability in libexif

libexif Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

21/09/2017
N/A
Yes i
Critical
9.1

CVE-2017-7544: libexif through 0.6.21 is vulnerable to out-of-bounds heap read vulnerability in exif_data_save_data_entry function in libexif/exif-data.c caused by improper length computation of the allocated data of an ExifMnote entry... Affects libexif across 3 version ranges.

< 0.6.21-r3 < 9ab318d93b274df204c195c9a729f778401a8d8f < faee2711aed6a1a2046d5f0fd89c1c894cd73400

Fixed in 0.6.21-r3. How to fix ↓

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Background

libexif is an open-source library used for parsing, editing, and saving Exif metadata in image files. It provides functionality to extract information such as camera settings, date and time, and GPS coordinates from image files. The library is widely used in various applications and operating systems.

Vulnerability Detail

The libexif library, specifically versions up to 0.6.21, is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds heap read vulnerability. This vulnerability is present in the exif_data_save_data_entry function in libexif/exif-data.c. The issue arises due to improper length computation of the allocated data of an ExifMnote entry. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to cause a denial-of-service condition or potentially disclose sensitive information.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

0.6.21-r3

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade libexif

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to update the libexif library to the fixed version.

Conclusion

The libexif library is vulnerable to an out-of-bounds heap read vulnerability. It is crucial to update the library to version 0.6.21-r3 or later to mitigate the risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

libexif is an open-source library used for parsing, editing, and saving Exif metadata in image files.

Exif metadata is additional information embedded in image files by digital cameras and other devices. It includes details such as camera settings, date and time, and GPS coordinates.

This vulnerability can lead to a denial-of-service condition or potential information disclosure, depending on how it is exploited.

To fix this vulnerability, update the libexif library to version 0.6.21-r3 or later.

No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. Updating to the fixed version is necessary.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for libexif.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

0.6.21-r3

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade libexif

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