CVE-2017-11636 in GraphicsMagick
Summary
by MITRE
GraphicsMagick 1.3.26 has a heap overflow in the WriteRGBImage() function in coders/rgb.c when processing multiple frames that have non-identical widths.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2017-11636 represents a critical heap overflow condition within GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26 that occurs during the processing of multi-frame image files with varying width dimensions. This issue specifically manifests in the WriteRGBImage() function located within the coders/rgb.c source file, where improper memory allocation handling leads to buffer overflow conditions that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from the library's inability to properly validate frame dimensions during multi-frame image processing, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
The technical flaw arises from insufficient bounds checking and memory management within the RGB image writing routine when encountering multi-frame sequences where individual frames possess different width values. When GraphicsMagick processes such sequences, the WriteRGBImage() function fails to allocate adequate memory space for the output buffer, causing data to overflow into adjacent memory regions. This heap overflow condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures, function pointers, or return addresses, ultimately enabling remote code execution or denial of service scenarios. The vulnerability operates under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, when exploited in web-based environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can be triggered through various attack vectors including web applications that utilize GraphicsMagick for image processing, file upload handlers, or automated image conversion services. Attackers can craft malicious multi-frame image files with inconsistent width parameters to trigger the overflow condition, potentially leading to complete system compromise when the vulnerable library executes within privileged contexts. The vulnerability affects systems where GraphicsMagick is integrated into web servers, content management systems, or image processing pipelines, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where automated image handling is prevalent. Organizations using affected versions should consider the potential for remote code execution and implement immediate mitigations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11636 should prioritize updating GraphicsMagick to version 1.3.27 or later, which includes patches addressing the heap overflow condition in WriteRGBImage() function. System administrators should also implement input validation measures to restrict image file uploads, particularly those with multi-frame characteristics, and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include running GraphicsMagick in restricted environments with proper memory protection mechanisms such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries, as well as implementing strict file format validation and sanitization processes before image processing occurs. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems utilizing affected GraphicsMagick versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent future exploitation attempts.