CVE-2017-11448 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The ReadJPEGImage function in coders/jpeg.c in ImageMagick before 7.0.6-1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information from uninitialized memory locations via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11448 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within ImageMagick's JPEG image processing functionality. This issue affects versions prior to 7.0.6-1 and specifically targets the ReadJPEGImage function located in the coders/jpeg.c source file. The flaw enables remote attackers to extract sensitive data from uninitialized memory regions through the manipulation of specially crafted JPEG files. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of information exposure, where system memory contains residual data that should not be accessible to unauthorized parties, creating potential risks for confidentiality and data integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when ImageMagick processes a maliciously constructed JPEG file that triggers improper memory initialization within the ReadJPEGImage function. When the software attempts to read image data from a crafted file, it accesses memory locations that have not been properly initialized, potentially revealing contents from previous operations, system memory, or other sensitive information. This type of flaw is classified as a CWE-200 - Information Exposure, where the system inadvertently exposes data that should remain private or protected. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of uninitialized memory access that can be leveraged to extract potentially sensitive information from the application's memory space.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems that process untrusted image files, particularly those running ImageMagick versions vulnerable to this flaw. Attackers could exploit this weakness in web applications, content management systems, or any service that accepts and processes image uploads through ImageMagick. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked memory contents could potentially contain authentication tokens, cryptographic keys, user data, or other sensitive information depending on what was previously stored in memory. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality and can potentially enable further attacks if sensitive data is extracted. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables initial access through malicious file delivery and can lead to privilege escalation if sensitive information is obtained.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11448 primarily focus on upgrading to ImageMagick version 7.0.6-1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the uninitialized memory access issue. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all vulnerable systems are updated promptly. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing file validation mechanisms that can detect and reject suspicious image files before they reach the ImageMagick processing layer. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns or file processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper memory initialization in security-critical applications and highlights the necessity of thorough code reviews and security testing, particularly for libraries that process untrusted input data.