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CVE Record

CVE-2018-5817: A type confusion error within the "unpacked_load_raw()" function within LibRaw versions prior to 0.19.1 (in...

A type confusion error within the "unpacked_load_raw()" function within LibRaw versions prior to 0.19.1 (internal/dcraw_common.cpp) can be exploited to trigger an infinite loop.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2018-5817 is a denial-of-service flaw in LibRaw, a RAW image processing library. A malformed RAW file can trigger an infinite loop in affected versions, potentially tying up an application or service that processes images. The provided sources do not show data theft, code execution, or confirmed active exploitation.

Executive priority

Prioritize remediation where RAW images come from customers, partners, or public uploads. Business impact is most likely service degradation or resource exhaustion, not confirmed compromise. Internal-only workflows with trusted files are lower urgency but should still be updated.

Technical view

LibRaw versions 0.19.0 and earlier contain a type confusion error in unpacked_load_raw() in internal/dcraw_common.cpp. The documented outcome is an infinite loop. Exposure depends on whether an application accepts or processes attacker-controlled RAW image files through the vulnerable LibRaw code path.

Likely exposure

Likely exposed systems are image ingestion, conversion, thumbnailing, or media-processing workflows using LibRaw 0.19.0 or earlier, including distribution packages before their Debian or Ubuntu security updates. Static or bundled copies need separate verification.

Exploitation context

The source bundle states the issue can be exploited to trigger an infinite loop. It does not include exploit details, evidence of active exploitation, or KEV listing. Treat this primarily as an availability risk from processing untrusted RAW files.

Researcher notes

Evidence is limited to the CVE description and vendor/distribution advisories in the bundle. No CVSS, CWE, exploit status, or detailed fixed-version matrix is provided beyond LibRaw prior to 0.19.1 being affected. Validate exposure by tracing actual LibRaw usage, not package names alone.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade LibRaw to a version newer than the affected 0.19.0-and-prior range.
  • Apply Debian DLA 1734-1 or Ubuntu USN-3989-1 where those distributions are used.
  • Identify applications with bundled or statically linked LibRaw copies.
  • Restrict untrusted RAW file processing until affected components are updated.
  • Check current vendor guidance for platform-specific fixed package versions.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory installed and bundled LibRaw versions across image-processing systems.
  • Confirm no production component uses LibRaw 0.19.0 or earlier.
  • Review upload, conversion, and thumbnail services for untrusted RAW input paths.
  • Verify applicable Debian or Ubuntu security updates are installed.
  • Regression-test RAW processing after upgrade for availability and workflow impact.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

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

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CVE-2018-5817 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
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.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
5Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
Flexera Software LLCLibRaw0.19.0 and priorListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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