CVE-2016-1577

What it actually does

Double-free condition in jas_iccattrval_destroy during ICC color profile parsing allows memory corruption when a crafted JPEG 2000 image is processed.

Why it matters to the business

Applications that handle images can crash or allow remote code execution, interrupting services that rely on image processing and increasing risk of compromise on affected systems.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker crafts a JPEG 2000 file containing a malformed ICC color profile that triggers the double free. The malicious image is delivered to a victim application that uses the vulnerable library; when the image is opened or parsed, the flaw is exercised to cause denial of service or execute arbitrary code.

How to fix it

Upgrade JasPer to a version that eliminates the double-free vulnerability in ICC profile handling; rebuild and redeploy any dependent applications with the patched library.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the jas_iccattrval_destroy function has been corrected by source review or by testing with known malicious ICC profiles; ensure no double-free occurs and that image parsing completes without memory errors.

Typical attack path

1. Craft JPEG 2000 image with malformed ICC profile targeting the double-free path
2. Deliver the image file to the target via web page, email attachment, or document
3. Victim application processes or renders the image using the vulnerable JasPer library
4. Double free triggers memory corruption leading to crash or code execution

How to detect it

Review application and system logs for unexpected crashes or segmentation faults during JPEG 2000 processing; inspect memory error reports tied to color profile parsing.

What your security team should do

• Apply available JasPer updates to all affected products immediately
• Restrict or sandbox image processing for untrusted files
• Monitor application stability and memory usage when handling JPEG 2000 images