CVE-2017-13061 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.6-5, a length-validation vulnerability was found in the function ReadPSDLayersInternal in coders/psd.c, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (ReadPSDImage memory exhaustion) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13061 represents a critical memory exhaustion issue within ImageMagick's handling of Photoshop Document files, specifically affecting version 7.0.6-5. This flaw exists in the ReadPSDLayersInternal function located within the coders/psd.c source file, where improper length validation allows maliciously crafted PSD files to trigger excessive memory allocation during image processing operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly constrain the memory consumption associated with layer data parsing, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the software's memory management routines through carefully constructed file structures.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests as a length-validation flaw that enables attackers to manipulate the expected size parameters during PSD layer processing, leading to uncontrolled memory allocation patterns. The flaw operates by bypassing normal size limits that should constrain memory usage when parsing layer information within Photoshop files, allowing the application to allocate memory based on attacker-controlled values rather than legitimate file structure parameters. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length parameters, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input sanitization can lead to resource exhaustion attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged to consume excessive system resources and potentially cause application crashes or system instability. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability through a crafted PSD file, the affected ImageMagick instance will attempt to allocate memory proportional to the maliciously specified layer dimensions, potentially exhausting available memory resources and rendering the system unable to process legitimate image files. This memory exhaustion scenario creates a reliable vector for service disruption attacks, particularly in environments where ImageMagick is used for automated image processing or as part of web applications handling user-uploaded content.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a potential threat vector within the ATT&CK framework under the T1499.004 technique for Network Denial of Service, where attackers leverage application-level vulnerabilities to exhaust system resources. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that include proper length validation mechanisms in the PSD parsing routines, along with implementing input validation controls at multiple levels including file format validation, size parameter constraints, and memory usage monitoring. Organizations should also consider implementing file type restrictions, content scanning, and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other image processing libraries that may be present in their environments.