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CVE Record

CVE-2017-14441: An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the ICO image rendering functionality of SDL2_image-2...

An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the ICO image rendering functionality of SDL2_image-2.0.2. A specially crafted ICO image can cause an integer overflow, cascading to a heap overflow resulting in code execution. An attacker can display a specially crafted image to trigger this vulnerability.

HighCVSS 8.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2017-14441 is a high-severity flaw in SDL2_image 2.0.2. A malicious ICO image can corrupt memory and may let an attacker run code when the image is rendered. Business risk is highest for products that open or process untrusted images.

Executive priority

Treat this as a priority patch for affected image-rendering applications, especially where users can open external files. It is not currently KEV-backed, but code execution impact makes delayed remediation risky.

Technical view

The ICO renderer in SDL2_image 2.0.2 can hit an integer overflow that cascades into a heap overflow. The CVSS vector is network-accessible, low complexity, no privileges, user interaction required, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely in desktop, game, media, or image-processing software that uses SDL2_image 2.0.2, including statically bundled copies, and accepts or displays untrusted ICO images.

Exploitation context

The sources describe code execution from a specially crafted ICO image. The bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or other cited evidence of active exploitation, so active exploitation should not be assumed.

Researcher notes

Focus on dependency discovery, static linkage, and ICO rendering paths. The source bundle names SDL2_image 2.0.2 and provides CVSS data, but does not include a CWE entry or a complete upstream fixed-version matrix.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade SDL2_image or distro packages according to Debian, Gentoo, or vendor guidance.
  • Find and replace bundled or statically linked SDL2_image 2.0.2 copies.
  • Restrict rendering of untrusted ICO files until patched.
  • Rebuild and redeploy applications linked against the vulnerable library.
  • Check upstream guidance if your platform is not covered by Debian or Gentoo advisories.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory systems and applications for SDL2_image 2.0.2 usage.
  • Check package manager records against Debian or Gentoo security advisories where applicable.
  • Inspect application builds for statically bundled SDL2_image copies.
  • Confirm patched applications no longer link to the vulnerable library version.
  • Review image-ingestion paths that allow ICO files from untrusted users.
Prepared
Confidence
high
Sources
7

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.

description · low confidence lookup

Execution behavior lookup

The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

Open ATT&CK lookup
cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2017-14441 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
8.8 (3.0)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
8.8CVSS 3.0HighCVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H2.85.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.0 score

8.8High
CVSS 3.0 vector shape for CVE-2017-14441Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Sam Lantinga and Mattias EngdegårdSimple DirectMedia LayerSDL2_image 2.0.2Listed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.