CVE-2017-11642 in GraphicsMagick
Summary
by MITRE
GraphicsMagick 1.3.26 has a NULL pointer dereference in the WriteMAPImage() function in coders/map.c when processing a non-colormapped image, a different vulnerability than CVE-2017-11638.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11642 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26 that specifically affects the WriteMAPImage() function located in the coders/map.c file. This issue manifests when the software attempts to process image files that lack color mapping information, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly validate input data before attempting to dereference a null pointer. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-476, which categorizes null pointer dereference vulnerabilities as a common class of software defects that can lead to application crashes and potential system instability.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs during the image processing workflow when GraphicsMagick encounters a non-colormapped image file. The WriteMAPImage() function fails to implement proper null pointer checks before accessing memory locations that may not have been initialized, resulting in an application crash or potential memory corruption. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion, as the vulnerability can be exploited to cause application instability and service disruption. The flaw specifically impacts the image format handling component of GraphicsMagick, making it particularly dangerous in environments where automated image processing is performed.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11642 extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. When exploited, this vulnerability can cause denial of service conditions that affect systems relying on GraphicsMagick for image processing tasks, particularly in web applications, content management systems, or automated image handling workflows. The vulnerability's classification as a null pointer dereference makes it susceptible to exploitation in environments where attackers can control input files, potentially leading to system instability or complete application termination. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where GraphicsMagick may be used to process user-uploaded content, as it could be leveraged to disrupt services or cause cascading failures in dependent systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11642 should prioritize immediate patching of GraphicsMagick installations to version 1.3.27 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the null pointer dereference issue. Organizations should implement input validation measures to prevent processing of malformed image files and consider deploying web application firewalls or content filtering solutions to block suspicious image uploads. Additionally, system administrators should establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual application behavior or crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that regular security assessments of image processing libraries and components should be conducted to identify similar null pointer dereference issues that could be exploited in similar contexts, particularly focusing on the ATT&CK technique T1203, which addresses legitimate credentials and access tokens to gain unauthorized access to systems.