CVE-2014-9836 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick 6.8.9-9 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted xpm file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9836 affects ImageMagick version 6.8.9-9 and represents a denial of service condition that can be triggered by remote attackers through the manipulation of xpm file formats. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of input validation within image processing libraries that handle multiple file formats, as the vulnerability resides in the processing of X PixMap format files which are commonly used for storing graphical data. The issue stems from inadequate handling of malformed xpm files during the image parsing process, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can cause the application to consume excessive system resources or crash entirely.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-400, which covers resource exhaustion conditions. When ImageMagick attempts to process a malformed xpm file, the library fails to properly validate the structure of the input data, leading to potential buffer overflows or infinite loops during parsing operations. This behavior creates an environment where an attacker can craft a specific xpm file that, when processed by the vulnerable ImageMagick version, will cause the application to enter an unrecoverable state. The flaw operates at the parsing layer of the software stack, where input validation should occur before any processing begins, but instead allows malformed data to propagate through the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to web applications and services that utilize ImageMagick for image handling, particularly those that accept user-uploaded content or process images from external sources. The denial of service impact means that legitimate users may be unable to access services while the vulnerable system remains in a crashed or unresponsive state. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply uploading or providing a malicious xpm file to any system running the vulnerable ImageMagick version, making the attack surface extremely broad and easy to execute. The vulnerability can be leveraged in automated attacks against web applications, content management systems, or any platform that uses ImageMagick for image processing without proper input sanitization.
The attack vector for CVE-2014-9836 follows the patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1499, which covers resource exhaustion attacks. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit and can be automated through simple web requests or file uploads. Organizations using ImageMagick should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the software, implementing input validation at the application level, and configuring proper file type restrictions. The recommended solution involves upgrading to ImageMagick version 6.8.9-10 or later, which includes fixes specifically addressing the xpm file parsing issues. Additionally, implementing proper sandboxing techniques and limiting the execution time of image processing operations can help mitigate the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future, while adhering to security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.