CVE-2019-15133 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-15133, a GIFLIB vulnerability allowing a divide-by-zero exception in the decoder function. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices here.
CVE-2019-15133, published on August 17, 2019, addresses a vulnerability in GIFLIB that could lead to a divide-by-zero exception in the decoder function when processing malformed GIF files.
Understanding CVE-2019-15133
This CVE entry highlights a specific issue in GIFLIB that could result in a critical exception during file processing.
What is CVE-2019-15133?
CVE-2019-15133 is a vulnerability in GIFLIB where setting the height field of the ImageSize data structure to zero in a GIF file could trigger a divide-by-zero exception in the decoder function DGifSlurp.
The Impact of CVE-2019-15133
The vulnerability could potentially lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition or arbitrary code execution if exploited by an attacker.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-15133
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE entry.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises in GIFLIB prior to February 16, 2019, where a malformed GIF file with a zero height field in the ImageSize data structure triggers a divide-by-zero exception in the DGifSlurp decoder function.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: n/a
- Product: n/a
- Affected Version: n/a
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability involves crafting a specially designed GIF file with a zero height field to trigger the divide-by-zero exception in the decoder function.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-15133 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update GIFLIB to the latest patched version to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening or processing untrusted GIF files from unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement file type validation checks to prevent processing of potentially malicious files.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by the GIFLIB maintainers to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-15133.