CVE-2017-11753 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The GetImageDepth function in MagickCore/attribute.c in ImageMagick 7.0.6-4 might allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read) via a crafted Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11753 resides within the ImageMagick library's handling of Flexible Image Transport System files, specifically in the GetImageDepth function located in MagickCore/attribute.c. This flaw represents a heap-based buffer over-read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers through the careful crafting of FITS file content. The vulnerability affects ImageMagick version 7.0.6-4, making it a critical concern for systems that process or serve image content from untrusted sources. The flaw manifests when the library attempts to parse malformed FITS data, causing it to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries and potentially leading to system instability or complete denial of service.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the FITS file parser. When ImageMagick encounters a crafted FITS file, the GetImageDepth function fails to properly bounds-check array accesses during the image attribute processing phase. This deficiency allows an attacker to construct a malicious FITS file that triggers memory corruption when the library attempts to extract depth information from the image metadata. The heap-based nature of the buffer over-read means that the vulnerability occurs within dynamically allocated memory regions, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior including application crashes, memory corruption, or information disclosure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a memory corruption vulnerability under the technique of "Exploitation for Defense Evasion" when leveraged for service disruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11753 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios targeting web applications, file processing services, or content management systems that utilize ImageMagick for image handling. Systems vulnerable to this flaw include web servers processing user-uploaded images, email servers scanning attachments, and cloud storage platforms that automatically process image files. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can trigger the condition without requiring local access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in internet-facing applications. Organizations using ImageMagick in their infrastructure face significant risk of service disruption, application crashes, and potential data exposure if not properly mitigated.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11753 should prioritize immediate patching of affected ImageMagick installations to version 7.0.6-5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. Network-based defenses should include implementing strict file validation and content filtering to prevent processing of suspicious FITS files, particularly those originating from untrusted sources. The CWE database classifies this vulnerability under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read", which emphasizes the importance of proper bounds checking in memory operations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing techniques and privilege separation to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential memory corruption issues within image processing libraries. Organizations should also maintain updated threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in image processing frameworks and ensure that their security monitoring systems can detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts.