CVE-2016-10048 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in magick/module.c in ImageMagick 6.9.4-7 allows remote attackers to load arbitrary modules via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10048 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within ImageMagick's module loading mechanism, specifically in the magick/module.c file of version 6.9.4-7. This security weakness enables remote attackers to exploit the software's module loading functionality and potentially load arbitrary modules from unintended locations within the file system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of module paths during the loading process, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the module resolution mechanism. Such flaws typically arise when applications fail to properly sanitize input parameters that influence file system operations, particularly in contexts where modules or plugins are dynamically loaded based on external inputs. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to system resources through the loaded modules.
The technical nature of this directory traversal vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. In the context of ImageMagick, this weakness manifests when the software processes image format specifications that contain malicious path references, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and load modules from unexpected locations. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the CVE description suggest that the vulnerability could be triggered through multiple attack surfaces including various image format parsers, network-based file transfers, or file upload mechanisms that ultimately rely on ImageMagick's module loading capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting specially formatted image files or module references that contain directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, which when processed by the vulnerable software can result in loading modules from arbitrary locations on the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10048 is severe and multifaceted, particularly in environments where ImageMagick is used for processing user-uploaded content or handling image files from untrusted sources. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, as attackers can potentially load malicious modules that execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the ImageMagick process. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in web applications that use ImageMagick for image processing, as it can be exploited through simple file uploads or by crafting malicious image files that are processed by the application. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as well as T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, since successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation and command execution capabilities. The vulnerability can also enable attackers to perform lateral movement within networks, as compromised systems may be used as stepping stones for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10048 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution is to upgrade to ImageMagick version 6.9.4-8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement strict input validation and sanitization for all image processing operations, particularly when handling files from untrusted sources. Network-based mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious file upload patterns, as well as restricting access to ImageMagick functionality through network segmentation. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing least privilege principles for ImageMagick processes, ensuring that the software runs with minimal required permissions and that module loading occurs from controlled, secure directories. The implementation of file system access controls and monitoring for unauthorized module loading attempts can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other software components that may present comparable attack vectors.