CVE-2023-0797 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE, assigned by GitLab, pertains to an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in LibTIFF 4.4.0 that can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial-of-service via a crafted tiff file.

Understanding CVE-2023-0797

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2023-0797 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-0797?

CVE-2023-0797 involves an out-of-bounds read in the tiffcrop function located in libtiff/tif_unix.c:368, which is triggered by specific invocations in tools/tiffcrop.c:2903 and tools/tiffcrop.c:6921. This flaw allows malicious actors to create a denial-of-service scenario.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0797

The impact of CVE-2023-0797 is rated as MEDIUM based on the CVSSv3.1 scoring. The vulnerability has a base score of 6.8, with an attack vector categorized as LOCAL and a high availability impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0797

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability, outlining the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is rooted in an out-of-bounds read issue in the tiffcrop function of LibTIFF 4.4.0, leading to a potential denial-of-service condition for systems processing maliciously crafted tiff files.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the libtiff product with versions up to and including 4.4.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the out-of-bounds read issue in the tiffcrop function to trigger a denial-of-service by supplying a specially crafted tiff file.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-0797 and safeguard systems from potential exploits, following immediate steps and long-term security practices are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update LibTIFF to a fixed version or apply the available patch (commit afaabc3e) to address the vulnerability.
Exercise caution when processing untrusted tiff files to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain an updated software inventory and promptly install security updates for all affected products.
Regularly monitor security mailing lists and advisories for the latest vulnerability disclosures and patches.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running LibTIFF are patched with the fix available in commit afaabc3e to prevent exploitation of the out-of-bounds read vulnerability in tiffcrop. Regularly check for security advisories from relevant vendors to stay informed about potential security risks and patches.