CVE-2016-3714 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) EPHEMERAL, (2) HTTPS, (3) MVG, (4) MSL, (5) TEXT, (6) SHOW, (7) WIN, and (8) PLT coders in ImageMagick before 6.9.3-10 and 7.x before 7.0.1-1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in a crafted image, aka "ImageTragick."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2026
The CVE-2016-3714 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in ImageMagick, a widely deployed image processing library used across numerous web applications and systems. This vulnerability affects multiple coders within ImageMagick including EPHEMERAL, HTTPS, MVG, MSL, TEXT, SHOW, WIN, and PLT, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various image file formats. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of shell metacharacters during image processing operations, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed by the underlying system. This flaw specifically impacts ImageMagick versions prior to 6.9.3-10 and 7.x versions before 7.0.1-1, creating a substantial attack surface across numerous applications that rely on this library for image manipulation and processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when ImageMagick processes specially crafted image files that contain shell metacharacters within their metadata or content. When the library attempts to decode or process these files, it fails to properly sanitize input parameters, leading to command injection attacks. Attackers can craft malicious image files that, when processed by vulnerable ImageMagick installations, trigger the execution of arbitrary shell commands on the target system. This occurs because the library's coders do not adequately escape or validate special characters that could be interpreted as shell commands, allowing attackers to execute system-level operations including file manipulation, privilege escalation, and network reconnaissance. The vulnerability operates at the core of image processing functionality where the library's internal command execution mechanisms are exposed to untrusted input.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3714 is severe and far-reaching, as ImageMagick is integrated into countless web applications, content management systems, and server environments. This vulnerability enables attackers to gain full system control over affected servers, potentially leading to complete compromise of web applications and underlying infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be triggered through simple file uploads, making it easy for attackers to exploit without requiring special privileges or complex attack chains. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')", which directly relates to the improper handling of shell metacharacters in command execution contexts. Organizations using vulnerable versions of ImageMagick face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3714 require immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions 6.9.3-10 or 7.0.1-1 and later. System administrators should also implement restrictive file upload policies and validate all image file inputs through multiple verification methods including file type detection, size limits, and content analysis. Network-level protections such as firewall rules can help limit exposure by blocking unnecessary image processing services and restricting access to vulnerable applications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting controls and monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.003 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell" highlights the need for comprehensive endpoint protection and behavioral monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other software components that may be vulnerable to command injection attacks.