CVE-2016-7525 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in coders/psd.c in ImageMagick allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via a crafted PSD file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7525 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within ImageMagick's PSD file handling component located in coders/psd.c. This flaw exists in the processing of Photoshop Document format files, which are commonly used for image editing and graphic design workflows. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when parsing maliciously crafted PSD files, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit memory corruption patterns that can lead to system instability and potential code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper bounds checking during the parsing of PSD file headers and metadata structures. When ImageMagick processes a specially crafted PSD file, the application fails to validate array indices and buffer sizes, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout through carefully constructed file content. This heap-based overflow occurs because the code does not properly validate the size parameters within the PSD file structure, enabling attackers to trigger out-of-bounds memory reads that can cause application crashes or unpredictable behavior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which is particularly dangerous due to the potential for arbitrary code execution when the overflow leads to memory corruption.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on ImageMagick for image processing workflows, particularly in web applications, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform denial of service attacks by uploading malicious PSD files that cause ImageMagick processes to crash or become unresponsive, effectively disrupting legitimate service operations. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the vulnerability could potentially be chained with other exploits to achieve more severe outcomes. In web environments where users can upload files, this vulnerability creates a direct path for remote attackers to compromise server availability and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The exploitation of CVE-2016-7525 aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling adversaries to perform application or system compromise through code execution vulnerabilities. Organizations using ImageMagick in production environments face elevated risk when the application processes untrusted image files from external sources. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign file format processing can become a vector for sophisticated attacks, particularly when applications lack proper input sanitization and memory safety mechanisms. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader application security testing protocols, emphasizing the importance of validating third-party libraries and their handling of untrusted input data. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of affected ImageMagick versions, implementing file type validation, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.