CVE-2017-11188 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The ReadDPXImage function in coders\dpx.c in ImageMagick 7.0.6-0 has a large loop vulnerability that can cause CPU exhaustion via a crafted DPX file, related to lack of an EOF check.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11188 resides within ImageMagick's DPX image format processing functionality, specifically in the ReadDPXImage function located in coders\dpx.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited to cause significant system resource exhaustion through a carefully crafted malicious DPX file. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper end-of-file checking mechanisms during the image parsing process, creating a scenario where the software enters an unbounded loop that consumes excessive CPU resources. The flaw affects ImageMagick version 7.0.6-0 and potentially earlier versions in the same release line, making it a widespread concern for systems that process DPX formatted images.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of input validation and boundary checking during the parsing of DPX image headers and data structures. When a maliciously constructed DPX file is processed, the ReadDPXImage function fails to properly verify the file boundaries or validate the expected data lengths, leading to a condition where loop iterations continue indefinitely or until system resources are exhausted. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-126, which specifically addresses buffer over-read conditions, and CWE-400, which covers resource exhaustion vulnerabilities. The absence of proper EOF checks in the data parsing loop creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can craft input that causes the parser to enter an infinite or extremely long loop, consuming CPU cycles at an unsustainable rate.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11188 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can be leveraged in broader attack vectors within systems that rely on ImageMagick for image processing. Applications that accept user-uploaded images, web services that process image files, or automated systems that handle image ingestion become vulnerable to this attack. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack paths including web application uploads, email attachments, or file processing workflows. From an attack technique perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0043 (Reconnaissance) and technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) when combined with other attack vectors, as attackers can use this weakness to consume system resources and potentially disrupt legitimate operations. The CPU exhaustion effect can be particularly damaging in cloud environments or containerized applications where resource limits are strictly enforced.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11188 should focus on immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that contain proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation for all image file processing workflows, particularly those that handle untrusted input from external sources. Additional protective measures include implementing resource limits and timeouts for image processing operations, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous CPU usage patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of image processing pipelines. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper code review practices and static analysis tools that can identify missing boundary checks and loop validation conditions. Security teams should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations and establishing monitoring protocols to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.