CVE-2017-11536 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
When ImageMagick 7.0.6-1 processes a crafted file in convert, it can lead to a Memory Leak in the WriteJP2Image() function in coders/jp2.c.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2022
CVE-2017-11536 represents a memory leak vulnerability discovered in ImageMagick version 7.0.6-1 within the WriteJP2Image() function located in the coders/jp2.c file. This flaw occurs during the processing of specially crafted image files through the convert command, creating a condition where memory allocated for image handling is not properly released. The vulnerability specifically affects the JPEG 2000 image format processing pipeline, making it particularly concerning for systems that handle diverse image file types. The memory leak manifests when the application fails to deallocate memory resources after processing JP2 formatted files, leading to progressive memory consumption that can eventually degrade system performance or cause application crashes. This issue falls under the CWE-401 weakness category, which specifically addresses memory leaks in software applications. From an operational perspective, the vulnerability can be exploited by adversaries who craft malicious JP2 files designed to trigger the memory leak condition when processed by ImageMagick. The attack vector is particularly relevant in environments where ImageMagick is used for automated image processing, file conversion, or web application image handling, as these scenarios often involve processing untrusted user input. The vulnerability can be leveraged in denial-of-service attacks where sustained exploitation leads to memory exhaustion on affected systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 which covers resource exhaustion, and potentially T1203 which involves exploitation of remote services. The technical impact extends beyond simple memory consumption as it can affect system stability and availability, especially in server environments where multiple image processing operations occur. The flaw demonstrates poor memory management practices within the image processing library, highlighting the importance of proper resource cleanup in cryptographic and multimedia processing applications. Organizations using ImageMagick in production environments should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a fundamental flaw in resource management that could be exploited to compromise system availability.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core image processing functionality of ImageMagick, where memory management failures can cascade into broader system instability. The WriteJP2Image() function's failure to properly handle memory deallocation creates a persistent resource drain that accumulates over time. When multiple crafted JP2 files are processed, the memory leak compounds, potentially leading to complete system resource exhaustion. This behavior aligns with CWE-401's definition of memory leaks where allocated memory is not properly freed, resulting in gradual resource consumption. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal sophistication as it only requires crafting a specific JP2 file format that triggers the problematic code path. Security researchers have noted that similar memory leak patterns in image processing libraries often indicate deeper architectural issues in resource management protocols. The convert utility's exposure to this vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous in web applications that accept user-uploaded images, as attackers can systematically consume system resources through repeated processing of malicious files. From a defensive standpoint, this vulnerability underscores the necessity of input validation and resource monitoring in multimedia processing systems. The flaw represents a classic example of how seemingly benign file format processing can become a vector for resource exhaustion attacks, emphasizing the need for robust memory management practices in all multimedia libraries. Organizations should implement monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns and establish automated patching procedures to address such vulnerabilities promptly. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK T1499.004 demonstrates its potential for causing system instability through resource exhaustion, while its relationship to T1203 indicates the broader threat landscape of exploitation in multimedia processing environments.