CVE-2015-8902 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The ReadBlobByte function in coders/pdb.c in ImageMagick 6.x before 6.9.0-5 Beta allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via a crafted PDB file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8902 resides within the ImageMagick image processing library, specifically in the ReadBlobByte function located in the coders/pdb.c file. This flaw affects ImageMagick versions 6.x prior to 6.9.0-5 Beta, representing a significant security concern for systems that process untrusted image files. The vulnerability manifests as a denial of service condition that can be triggered remotely through the manipulation of PDB (Program Database) file formats, which are commonly used in Windows debugging and development environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when ImageMagick attempts to read a malformed PDB file that contains crafted data structures designed to trigger an infinite loop within the ReadBlobByte function. This function is responsible for reading individual bytes from a data stream during file parsing operations, and the flaw arises from inadequate input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. When processing a specially constructed PDB file, the function enters a state where it continuously reads the same byte or set of bytes without proper termination conditions, causing the application to hang indefinitely and consume excessive CPU resources. This behavior constitutes a classic denial of service attack vector that can be leveraged by remote attackers to disrupt service availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8902 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be exploited in various contexts where ImageMagick is used for image processing, including web applications, content management systems, and file upload handlers. Systems that automatically process or convert image files from user uploads become particularly vulnerable, as attackers can simply upload a malicious PDB file to trigger the infinite loop condition. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which specifically addresses infinite loops or iterations without proper termination conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for Denial of Service via Resource Exhaustion. Organizations using ImageMagick in production environments face potential risks of service degradation or complete system unavailability, especially when the library is integrated into web services or automated processing pipelines.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8902 primarily involve upgrading to ImageMagick version 6.9.0-5 Beta or later, which includes patches addressing the infinite loop condition in the ReadBlobByte function. Administrators should also implement input validation measures to filter or reject PDB files before processing, particularly in environments where untrusted file uploads are permitted. Additional protective measures include implementing resource limits and timeouts for image processing operations, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file processing patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of image processing workflows. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in file parsing libraries, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing of image processing software used in enterprise environments.