Critical Code Execution Vulnerability in SDL2_image Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2019-5060: An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the XPM image rendering function 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 XPM. It is commonly utilized in game development and multimedia applications to enhance graphical capabilities. However, versions prior to 2.0.5-r0 are vulnerable to a serious security flaw that can lead to code execution when processing specially crafted XPM images.
Vulnerability Detail
An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the XPM image rendering function of SDL2_image version 2.0.4. The issue arises from an integer overflow in the colorhash function, which leads to the allocation of an insufficiently sized buffer. This buffer overflow can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a high severity level, and can be triggered by displaying a specially crafted image.
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
If immediate updating is not feasible, consider implementing input validation to restrict the types of images that can be processed by your application. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The SDL2_image package has a critical vulnerability that can lead to code execution through specially crafted XPM images. It is essential 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, which can provide real-time alerts based on manifest files.
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FAQ
The vulnerability is a code execution flaw that can be exploited through specially crafted XPM images, leading to potential arbitrary code execution.
Versions of SDL2_image prior to 2.0.5-r0 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
Implement input validation to restrict the types of images processed by your application as a temporary workaround.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
References
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