CVE-2016-3717 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The LABEL coder in ImageMagick before 6.9.3-10 and 7.x before 7.0.1-1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a crafted image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3717 represents a critical file disclosure flaw within ImageMagick's LABEL coder component, affecting versions prior to 6.9.3-10 and 7.x before 7.0.1-1. This vulnerability resides in the image processing library's handling of image metadata, specifically the LABEL attribute that stores textual information within image files. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit the software's processing of crafted images to access arbitrary files on the system where ImageMagick is deployed. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information that may be embedded within image metadata.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within ImageMagick's image processing pipeline. When the software encounters an image containing a maliciously crafted LABEL attribute, it fails to properly validate the file path references within the metadata. This allows attackers to construct specially formatted images that, when processed by ImageMagick, cause the software to read files from arbitrary locations on the filesystem. The vulnerability operates through the software's image processing chain where it attempts to interpret and render image metadata, particularly focusing on how it handles file path references in LABEL attributes without adequate security checks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process untrusted image uploads or perform automated image analysis. Web applications, content management systems, and file processing services that utilize ImageMagick for image handling become vulnerable attack vectors. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring authentication or local system access. Systems processing user-uploaded images, such as social media platforms, e-commerce sites, or document management systems, face particularly high risk. The vulnerability can potentially be chained with other exploits to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access, making it a critical concern for security professionals.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This classification aligns with how the LABEL coder fails to properly validate file path references in image metadata. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the execution of malicious code through image processing software. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including input validation, privilege reduction for image processing services, network segmentation, and regular software updates. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading ImageMagick to versions 6.9.3-10 or 7.0.1-1 and implementing proper file access controls that limit the privileges of image processing applications. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.