CVE-2023-6228 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the tiffcp utility, which is part of the libtiff package distributed with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8. The vulnerability arises when tiffcp processes a specially crafted TIFF file, causing an out-of-bounds write on the heap. This memory corruption leads to an application crash, resulting in a denial of service condition. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity, as it does not allow code execution or data leakage. Exploitation requires local access to the system, no privileges are needed, but user interaction is necessary to trigger the vulnerability by processing the malicious TIFF file. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to the limited scope and impact. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches were linked at the time of the report, though Red Hat typically issues updates promptly. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 systems that include the vulnerable libtiff version and use the tiffcp utility for TIFF file manipulation. This utility is commonly used in image processing workflows, automated scripts, or batch processing environments. An attacker with local access could cause denial of service by crashing applications or services relying on tiffcp, potentially disrupting operations that depend on TIFF file handling.

For European organizations, the primary impact is availability disruption due to application crashes when processing crafted TIFF files. Organizations using Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 in environments where TIFF files are processed—such as media companies, printing services, or scientific research institutions—may face operational interruptions. Although the vulnerability does not allow privilege escalation or data compromise, denial of service could affect critical workflows, especially if automated systems or batch jobs rely on tiffcp. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation risk, reducing the threat surface. However, insider threats or compromised user accounts could exploit this vulnerability to cause service outages. European sectors with high reliance on RHEL 8 for image processing or document management should be aware of potential disruptions. The absence of known exploits in the wild lowers immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance and patching.

Organizations should monitor Red Hat security advisories and apply patches for libtiff and tiffcp as soon as they become available. Until patches are deployed, restrict access to the tiffcp utility to trusted users only, using file permissions and access controls. Implement input validation and scanning of TIFF files before processing to detect malformed or suspicious files. Consider isolating image processing tasks in sandboxed environments or containers to limit the impact of crashes. Review and harden user account controls to prevent unauthorized local access. Incorporate monitoring for application crashes related to tiffcp usage to detect exploitation attempts. For automated workflows, add error handling to gracefully manage tiffcp failures and avoid cascading disruptions. Regularly update and audit software dependencies to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities.