CVE-2012-1571 in libmagic
Summary
by MITRE
file before 5.11 and libmagic allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted Composite Document File (CDF) file that triggers (1) an out-of-bounds read or (2) an invalid pointer dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1571 affects file utility versions prior to 5.11 and the underlying libmagic library, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks through specifically crafted Composite Document File format files. This vulnerability manifests when the affected software processes maliciously constructed CDF files that contain malformed data structures designed to exploit memory access violations within the file type detection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two distinct attack vectors that leverage different memory access patterns to compromise system stability. The first vector exploits an out-of-bounds read condition where the software attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries when parsing the malformed CDF structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length parameters, and represents a classic example of buffer over-read conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior and system crashes. The second vector involves an invalid pointer dereference scenario where the software attempts to access memory through a null or improperly initialized pointer reference, creating a crash condition that terminates the application process.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1571 extends beyond simple service disruption as it can be exploited in various networked environments where file type detection is performed automatically. Systems that process untrusted file uploads, handle email attachments, or perform automatic content analysis using the affected file utility are particularly vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability is especially concerning in automated processing environments such as web applications, file servers, and content management systems where the file utility operates without user intervention, making successful exploitation virtually guaranteed upon encountering a maliciously crafted CDF file.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a significant risk to system availability and stability, particularly in environments where file processing is automated and lacks proper input validation. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication or specialized privileges, making it a particularly dangerous flaw for public-facing services. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to file utility version 5.11 or later, implementing proper input validation for file type detection, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious CDF file patterns. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation as outlined in the software security principles of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing the technique of privilege escalation through application-level memory corruption. The affected systems must also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms to isolate file processing functions and limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.
Organizations should prioritize patch management for this vulnerability as it represents a fundamental flaw in how the file utility handles malformed input data. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service issue means that attackers can reliably crash services without requiring complex exploitation techniques, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt system availability. Implementation of proper security controls should include network segmentation to limit exposure, regular vulnerability assessments to identify potentially affected systems, and comprehensive monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include thorough testing of updated software to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing file processing workflows while maintaining the security benefits of proper input validation and memory access controls.