CVE-2017-12640 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick 7.0.6-1 has an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in ReadOneMNGImage in coders/png.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2017-12640 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within ImageMagick's handling of MNG (Multiple-image Network Graphics) files, specifically in the ReadOneMNGImage function located in the coders/png.c source file. This issue affects ImageMagick version 7.0.6-1 and demonstrates how multimedia processing libraries can contain fundamental memory safety defects that may be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of MNG image format headers and metadata, allowing attackers to craft specially crafted MNG files that trigger memory access violations when processed by the library.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of MNG file structures to cause the ReadOneMNGImage function to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. When ImageMagick attempts to parse the MNG file header information, particularly the sequence of image frames and their associated metadata, the code fails to validate the length parameters provided in the file structure. This allows an attacker to specify oversized or malformed data fields that result in the program reading memory beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially exposing sensitive information or causing application crashes. The vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process user-uploaded images or handle untrusted multimedia content through ImageMagick. The out-of-bounds read can lead to information disclosure where adjacent memory contents are read and potentially exposed to attackers, or it may cause denial-of-service conditions through application crashes. Systems utilizing ImageMagick for web applications, content management systems, or automated image processing pipelines become particularly vulnerable, as attackers can exploit this flaw through simple file uploads or network-based attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers "Exploitation for Client Execution" through the manipulation of application input processing, and T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreter usage to leverage the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12640 should focus on immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that contain the necessary bounds checking fixes. Organizations should implement strict file validation procedures that verify image file integrity before processing, employ sandboxing techniques for image handling operations, and consider using alternative image processing libraries that have demonstrated better memory safety practices. Additionally, network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious image file patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation and memory safety practices in multimedia processing libraries, emphasizing that even well-established software components can contain fundamental security flaws that require continuous monitoring and updating.