CVE-2016-10061 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The ReadGROUP4Image function in coders/tiff.c in ImageMagick before 7.0.1-10 does not check the return value of the fputc function, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10061 resides within the ImageMagick image processing library, specifically in the ReadGROUP4Image function located in coders/tiff.c. This flaw represents a classic example of improper error handling that can be exploited to execute denial of service attacks. The vulnerability affects ImageMagick versions prior to 7.0.1-10, making it a significant concern for systems that process untrusted image files. The issue stems from the function's failure to validate the return value of the fputc system call, which is a fundamental programming practice that ensures proper file I/O operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious image file that triggers the ReadGROUP4Image function during image processing. When the fputc function fails to write data to the output stream, it returns a value indicating failure, typically -1 or EOF. However, the vulnerable code does not check this return value, allowing the program to continue execution despite the write operation failing. This oversight can lead to memory corruption or unexpected program termination, ultimately resulting in a crash that constitutes a denial of service condition. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-704 as improper error handling and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.100 for resource exhaustion through denial of service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged in various attack scenarios targeting web applications, file upload systems, and content management platforms that utilize ImageMagick for image processing. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause cascading failures in systems that rely on ImageMagick, potentially affecting multiple users and services. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this weakness without requiring local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing environments where users can upload arbitrary files. Systems using ImageMagick for automatic image processing of user-uploaded content are especially vulnerable, as the crash can occur during routine operations without any explicit user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10061 primarily focus on upgrading to ImageMagick version 7.0.1-10 or later, which contains the necessary code fixes to properly handle fputc return values. Organizations should also implement additional protective measures such as input validation, file type verification, and sandboxed processing environments to reduce the attack surface. Network-level protections including firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious file upload patterns, while application-level defenses should enforce strict file format checking and limit the resources allocated to image processing operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of ImageMagick, and automated patch management systems should be implemented to ensure timely remediation across all affected platforms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper error handling in security-sensitive code, as even seemingly minor oversights can lead to significant operational disruptions.