CVE-2017-13131 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.6-8, a memory leak vulnerability was found in the function ReadMIFFImage in coders/miff.c, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption in NewLinkedList in MagickCore/linked-list.c) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13131 represents a critical memory leak flaw within ImageMagick version 7.0.6-8 that manifests through the ReadMIFFImage function located in the coders/miff.c file. This issue specifically targets the MagickCore/linked-list.c component where NewLinkedList is called, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted image files can trigger excessive memory consumption. The flaw operates by exploiting the improper handling of memory allocation during the processing of malformed MIFF (Magick Image File Format) files, leading to a gradual depletion of available system resources.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-401 Memory Leak, where the application fails to properly release allocated memory blocks after their intended use. The attack vector requires an adversary to craft a specially designed image file that, when processed by ImageMagick, causes the linked list implementation to continuously allocate memory without subsequent deallocation. The NewLinkedList function in MagickCore/linked-list.c serves as the primary point of failure where memory is allocated but never properly freed, creating a memory leak that can be exploited to exhaust system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-13131 extends beyond simple resource exhaustion, as it creates a reliable denial of service condition that can be triggered through various attack scenarios. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to consume increasing amounts of memory over time, potentially leading to system instability, application crashes, or complete system hangs. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where ImageMagick processes untrusted user uploads, such as web applications, content management systems, or file processing services, as it can be leveraged to disrupt legitimate operations and service availability.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework's Defense Evasion and Resource Exhaustion tactics, where adversaries exploit software flaws to consume system resources and maintain persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers Resource Exhaustion, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on image processing capabilities. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of ImageMagick to version 7.0.6-9 or later, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for image files, and deploying network-level restrictions to prevent processing of untrusted image content. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing memory monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual memory consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.