libheif is a HEIF and AVIF file format decoder and encoder. In 1.23.0 and earlier, a crafted image sequence with a 2x2 primary plane and a 256x256 auxiliary alpha plane can cause attacker-controlled heap corruption during a normal decode and re-encode workflow. Track_Visual::decode_next_image_sample() calls transfer_channel_from_image_as() without checking that the auxiliary alpha dimensions match the main frame. The resulting inconsistent image reaches heif_track_decode_next_image() and then heif_context_encode_image(). In unc_encoder::encode(), unc_encoder_component_interleave::encode_tile() sizes its buffer with compute_tile_data_size_bytes() using the primary dimensions but copies each component using its actual plane dimensions. The oversized alpha plane is therefore copied beyond the allocation, causing an out-of-bounds write; the inverse size mismatch can also produce an out-of-bounds read. This issue is fixed in version 1.23.1.
Weakness
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
Affected Software
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libheif | Ubuntu | noble | * |
| Libheif | Ubuntu | resolute | * |
Potential Mitigations
- Assume all input is malicious. Use an “accept known good” input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
- When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, “boat” may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as “red” or “blue.”
- Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code’s environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
- To reduce the likelihood of introducing an out-of-bounds read, ensure that you validate and ensure correct calculations for any length argument, buffer size calculation, or offset. Be especially careful of relying on a sentinel (i.e. special character such as NUL) in untrusted inputs.