CVE-2007-4986 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in ImageMagick before 6.3.5-9 allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted (1) .dcm, (2) .dib, (3) .xbm, (4) .xcf, or (5) .xwd image file, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4986 represents a critical security flaw in ImageMagick, a widely-used image processing library that handles numerous graphic file formats across various platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects versions of ImageMagick prior to 6.3.5-9 and manifests as multiple integer overflows that can be exploited by context-dependent attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when processing specifically crafted image files in five distinct formats including dicom .dcm files, device-independent bitmap .dib files, x bitmap .xbm files, eXtended Canvas Format .xcf files, and x window dump .xwd files. These file formats are commonly encountered in medical imaging, desktop environments, and graphic design applications, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted image content.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves integer overflow conditions that occur during the parsing and processing of image metadata and pixel data within the affected file formats. When ImageMagick encounters a crafted image file, the integer overflows cause the application to allocate insufficient memory buffers for storing image data, leading to heap-based buffer overflows. These buffer overflows occur because the software fails to properly validate the size parameters extracted from the malicious image files before allocating memory for image processing operations. The integer overflow conditions are particularly insidious because they can be triggered by manipulating specific header fields or metadata values within the image files, making the attack vector both subtle and potentially exploitable in various contexts including web applications, email attachments, and file sharing systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-4986 extends far beyond simple image processing failures, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the ImageMagick process, which typically runs with the same permissions as the user who initiated the image processing operation. This capability allows for privilege escalation attacks, remote code execution, and potential system infiltration. The vulnerability affects a broad range of computing environments where ImageMagick is deployed, including web servers that process user-uploaded images, desktop applications that handle graphic files, and content management systems that utilize image processing capabilities. The context-dependent nature of the attack means that exploitation requires specific conditions such as the application processing the malicious image file, but the low barrier to entry makes it attractive to attackers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and represents a classic example of how seemingly benign file format processing can become a critical security risk. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability are consistent with the tactics described in the ATT&CK framework under the category of exploitation of vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of application exploitation and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4986 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to ImageMagick 6.3.5-9 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the integer overflow conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems utilizing ImageMagick are updated promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file format validation, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations, and establishing content filtering systems that can detect and block potentially malicious image files. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can identify and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in libraries that handle untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their image processing workflows and implement defense-in-depth strategies that reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.