CVE-2014-9825 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-2014-9824.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in ImageMagick identified as CVE-2014-9825 represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service through manipulation of photoshop document files. This vulnerability specifically affects the processing of psd file format, which is commonly used for layered image editing and graphic design work. The flaw exists within the memory management mechanisms of ImageMagick's image processing library, where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory regions in the heap allocation space. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a serious weakness in software security architecture. The vulnerability demonstrates how image processing libraries can become attack vectors when they fail to properly validate input file structures before processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of psd file headers and metadata sections where the application reads file dimensions and color channel information without adequate validation of the data length. When an attacker crafts a malicious psd file with oversized or malformed data structures, the application's memory allocation routines fail to account for the excessive data size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to redirect program execution flow. The heap memory corruption specifically targets the application's memory management system where allocated buffers are insufficiently sized to handle the crafted input data. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and computer graphics processing, where legitimate image handling operations become potential attack vectors through malformed file structures. The flaw demonstrates how complex file format parsers can contain security vulnerabilities that are not immediately apparent during normal operation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9825 extends far beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially allow remote code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of ImageMagick. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in web applications that process user-uploaded images, email attachment scanners, or content management systems that utilize ImageMagick for image manipulation. The unspecified impact mentioned in the CVE description reflects the potential for various security consequences including system compromise, privilege escalation, or complete system takeover depending on the execution environment and target platform. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through web-based interfaces where users might upload psd files without proper security controls. The attack surface is significantly broadened as ImageMagick is widely used across numerous platforms including web servers, desktop applications, and mobile devices. The vulnerability also relates to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 command and control categories, where attackers can establish persistent access through compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9825 require immediate patching of affected ImageMagick versions, typically through updates to the software libraries or complete replacement with secure alternatives. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures that filter out potentially malicious file formats or employ sandboxed processing environments for image handling operations. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious psd file uploads, while monitoring systems should track unusual image processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, particularly for applications that handle file format parsing. Security teams should also consider implementing automated scanning tools that can identify vulnerable systems and ensure that all image processing components are updated to versions that have addressed this heap-based buffer overflow issue. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of image processing libraries to identify similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited through different file formats or attack vectors.