CVE-2014-9824 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in ImageMagick allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted psd file, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-9825.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2024
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in ImageMagick identified as CVE-2014-9824 represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability through maliciously crafted psd files. This vulnerability specifically affects the ImageMagick image processing library, which is widely used across various platforms and applications for handling multiple image formats including psd. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when processing psd file headers, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory structures and potentially execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of memory allocation during psd file parsing operations. When ImageMagick encounters a crafted psd file, the application fails to properly validate the size parameters within the file structure, leading to a situation where a buffer overflow occurs in the heap memory space. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the heap-based nature of this particular flaw makes it more complex to exploit and potentially more dangerous due to the nature of heap memory corruption. The vulnerability demonstrates poor memory management practices and insufficient bounds checking during image format parsing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9824 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially allow remote code execution depending on the target system configuration and memory layout. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of ImageMagick, particularly those that process untrusted image files from web applications, email attachments, or file upload mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems where ImageMagick is used as a backend image processing component, including web servers, content management systems, and various multimedia applications that rely on ImageMagick for image conversion and manipulation tasks. The remote exploitation capability makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where attackers can directly target vulnerable services without requiring local access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that address the heap overflow conditions in psd file processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running ImageMagick, particularly those that process untrusted image files. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced to prevent malformed psd files from reaching the image processing components, while also implementing proper memory protection mechanisms such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities through remote code execution, and should be addressed as part of broader vulnerability management and security hardening procedures. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.