Executive brief
Exiv2 is a widely-used command-line tool and library for reading and editing metadata in image files. A use-after-free vulnerability in versions 0.28.0–0.28.4 allows an attacker to cause a heap buffer overflow by crafting a malicious image file and tricking a user into writing metadata to it using Exiv2. Successful exploitation could lead to code execution on the victim's system.
Technical details
A use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) exists in the TiffSubIfd component of Exiv2 versions 0.28.0 through 0.28.4. The flaw is triggered specifically during metadata write operations (not read) on a specially crafted image file. An attacker must social-engineer a victim into executing an Exiv2 command with a write operation flag (e.g., `fixiso`) on the malicious image. The vulnerability can result in heap buffer overflow and potential remote code execution. The bug is fixed in version 0.28.5, and versions prior to 0.28.0 are not affected.
Affected products
- Exiv2 Exiv2 0.28.0 to 0.28.4
Timeline
- 2025-02-18: disclosed: NVD published date
- 2025-02-21: disclosed: GitHub advisory GHSA-38h4-fx85-qcx7 published
- 2025-02-21: patched: Fix released in version 0.28.5