CVE-2016-10066 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the ReadVIFFImage function in coders/viff.c in ImageMagick before 6.9.4-5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10066 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within ImageMagick's VIFF image format processing component. This issue affects versions prior to 6.9.4-5 and demonstrates how improper input validation can lead to severe security implications. The vulnerability specifically resides in the ReadVIFFImage function located in the coders/viff.c file, which handles the parsing of VIFF (Virtual Image Format) image files. VIFF is a specialized image format used primarily in scientific and medical imaging applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations in these sectors.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of VIFF file headers and metadata structures. When ImageMagick processes a maliciously crafted VIFF file, the application fails to properly validate the size parameters contained within the file's header information. This allows an attacker to manipulate the file structure in such a way that memory allocation routines receive invalid size values, leading to buffer overflows during subsequent memory operations. The vulnerability operates at the level of memory management and input parsing, making it a classic example of improper input validation that can be exploited through file-based attack vectors. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader weakness of buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10066 extends beyond simple application crashes, presenting significant risks to system availability and potentially serving as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to cause denial of service conditions across any system running affected versions of ImageMagick, whether in web applications, file processing services, or automated workflows. The attack surface is particularly broad since ImageMagick is widely used across various platforms and applications, including content management systems, image processing pipelines, and digital asset management solutions. This vulnerability can be exploited through simple file uploads or processing of malicious files without requiring user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in automated environments. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, where adversaries leverage software flaws to disrupt services and compromise system availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10066 primarily focus on immediate version updates and robust input validation practices. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to ImageMagick version 6.9.4-5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, implementing proper file validation and sanitization measures within applications that utilize ImageMagick can provide defense-in-depth protection. Security practitioners should consider deploying file type detection and content validation mechanisms that can identify and reject suspicious VIFF files before they reach the ImageMagick processing layer. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and file upload filters can also help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and implementing comprehensive security testing procedures that include fuzzing and input validation checks to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other image processing components.