CVE-2024-29161

What it actually does

Heap buffer overflow in H5A__attr_release_table corrupts the instruction pointer, enabling denial of service or potential arbitrary code execution.

Why it matters to the business

Systems processing HDF5 files face risk of crashes or remote code execution, potentially disrupting scientific computing, data analytics, and storage workflows that depend on this library.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker supplies a specially crafted HDF5 file containing malformed attribute data. When the vulnerable application calls H5A__attr_release_table during file parsing, the overflow overwrites the instruction pointer, allowing control-flow hijacking or a crash.

How to fix it

Upgrade hdfgroup/hdf5 to commit 88429b015e29c59de604b0f552001fb7cb7ed5d0 or later. Rebuild and redeploy dependent applications against the patched library. Where immediate upgrade is not possible, restrict processing of untrusted HDF5 files.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the installed HDF5 version or commit hash is 88429b015e29c59de604b0f552001fb7cb7ed5d0 or newer. Re-run regression tests with attribute-heavy HDF5 files and verify absence of crashes or unexpected behavior under fuzzing.

Typical attack path

1. Identify or compromise an application that uses HDF5 to open untrusted files
2. Craft a malicious HDF5 file that triggers the heap overflow in H5A__attr_release_table
3. Deliver the file to the target (email, download, shared storage)
4. Trigger parsing of the file to achieve denial of service or code execution

How to detect it

Review application logs for segmentation faults or crashes during HDF5 file parsing. Correlate process terminations with recent receipt of HDF5 files from external sources. No public exploitation artifacts are known at this time.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize upgrade of hdfgroup/hdf5 to the fixed commit in all environments within the next patch cycle
• Inventory applications that link against HDF5 and schedule rebuilds
• Implement file-type sandboxing or content-disposition checks for HDF5 inputs until patches are deployed
• Monitor upstream HDF5 release notes for any follow-on security fixes