Critical Code Execution Vulnerability in SDL2_image Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2019-5059: An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the XPM image rendering functionality of SDL2_image 2.0.4. Affects sdl2_image versions < 2.0.5-r0. Fixed in 2.0.5-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
SDL2_image is a widely used library that provides support for loading images in various formats, including PNG, JPEG, and XPM. It is often utilized in game development and multimedia applications to enhance graphical capabilities. However, versions prior to 2.0.5-r0 are susceptible to a severe vulnerability that can lead to code execution, posing significant risks to applications relying on this library.
Vulnerability Detail
An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the XPM image rendering functionality of SDL2_image version 2.0.4. The issue arises from an integer overflow when processing specially crafted XPM images, which can allocate a buffer that is too small. This buffer overflow can lead to a heap overflow, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is identified as CVE-2019-5059 and has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.0.5-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade sdl2_imageTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, avoid processing untrusted or unverified XPM images until the package is updated. Implement strict validation checks on image files before loading them into your application.
Conclusion
The SDL2_image package has a critical vulnerability that can lead to code execution through specially crafted XPM images. It is crucial to update to version 2.0.5-r0 or later to mitigate this risk. Users are encouraged to monitor their applications for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert to ensure ongoing security.
See every vulnerability recorded for sdl2_image →
FAQ
CVE-2019-5059 is a code execution vulnerability found in the SDL2_image library that can be exploited through specially crafted XPM images.
If your application uses SDL2_image version 2.0.4 or earlier, it is vulnerable. You can check your package version using your package manager.
Failing to address this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to compromise your application and its data.
Yes, you can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can also check your application against known vulnerabilities using the Vulert playground.
If immediate updates are not possible, implement strict input validation and avoid processing untrusted image files until the vulnerability is resolved.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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