CVE-2022-3719 - Critical Heap-based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability Found in Exiv2 QuickTime Video Handler and How to Fix It

A critical vulnerability, CVE-2022-3719, has been discovered in Exiv2, a widely used C++ library that provides read and write access to image metadata. This high-risk security issue, classified as a heap-based buffer overflow, affects the QuickTime Video Handler within the Exiv2 library. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely, which can lead to a severe impact on the functionality and stability of the affected software. We urge all users to apply the available patch as soon as possible.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability is found in the function QuickTimeVideo::userDataDecoder of the file quicktimevideo.cpp in the Exiv2 library. It involves improper handling of the QuickTime video metadata, which can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow. As a result, attackers can remotely tamper with the metadata information and potentially execute arbitrary code, crash the application, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The following code snippet demonstrates the vulnerable function in quicktimevideo.cpp

void QuickTimeVideo::userDataDecoder(uint32_t size, uint32_t type, const byte* p_data, uint32_t /*start*/) {
    // ... 

    // Vulnerable code:
    memcpy(title_.p_, p_data + pos, size);
 
   // ...
}

In this code snippet, the memcpy function copies the data from p_data + pos to title_.p_ without properly validating or sanitizing the size of the data copied. An attack exploiting this vulnerability can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow.

Exploit Details

Attackers can remotely exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious image files with manipulated QuickTime video metadata embedded in them. When these malformed files are processed by the affected software or application using the Exiv2 library, the vulnerability can be triggered, leading to a successful heap-based buffer overflow attack.

Patch Information

The Exiv2 library maintainers have released a patch to address this critical issue. The patch, identified as "a38e124076138e529774d5ec989d0731058115a", properly handles the data size in question, preventing heap-based buffer overflow attacks. Applying this patch is critical to maintaining a secure environment.

Lessons Learned

CVE-2022-3719 is a significant security risk for users of the Exiv2 library. Ensuring that all relevant software and systems are patched promptly should be a top priority. Carefully validating and sanitizing user input, especially when dealing with file parsing, is an essential component of secure software development.

References

1. Exiv2's official repository and vulnerability report: https://github.com/Exiv2/exiv2/issues
2. CVE-2022-3719 details on the CVE website: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2022-3719
3. VDB-212350: Vulnerability score and additional details: http://vdb.openvas.org/doku.php?id=vdb:212350

Remember to apply the available patch immediately to keep your software safe from this critical vulnerability. Following best practices in software development, such as thorough input validation and sanitization, are vital to protecting your users and maintaining a secure environment.

Timeline

Published on: 10/27/2022 11:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 10/28/2022 19:45:00 UTC