CVE-2014-1958 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the DecodePSDPixels function in coders/psd.c in ImageMagick before 6.8.8-5 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PSD image, involving the L%06ld string, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-2030.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1958 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within ImageMagick's PSD image processing module, specifically affecting the DecodePSDPixels function located in coders/psd.c. This vulnerability exists in ImageMagick versions prior to 6.8.8-5 and presents a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems processing malicious PSD image files. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to craft specially designed PSD images that trigger the buffer overflow during image decoding operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the L%06ld string format specifier within the PSD image parsing logic. When ImageMagick processes a malformed PSD file containing this specific string pattern, the DecodePSDPixels function fails to properly validate input boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This buffer overflow condition occurs during the pixel data decoding phase of PSD image processing, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially redirect execution flow. The vulnerability operates under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checks allow data to be written beyond allocated memory regions, making it a classic example of memory safety issues in image processing libraries.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1958 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability that can be leveraged across various attack vectors including web applications, email attachments, and file sharing systems that utilize ImageMagick for image processing. Systems that automatically process or convert PSD files without proper input validation become prime targets for exploitation, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access, execute malicious payloads, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where ImageMagick is used as a backend service for image handling operations. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain code execution, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1958 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to ImageMagick 6.8.8-5 or later releases that contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, including image file type verification and size restrictions, to prevent processing of potentially malicious PSD files. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block suspicious image file uploads. Additionally, implementing sandboxing mechanisms and privilege separation for image processing operations can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of ImageMagick and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place to maintain security posture against similar vulnerabilities in the future.