CVE-2017-13658 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick before 6.9.9-3 and 7.x before 7.0.6-3, there is a missing NULL check in the ReadMATImage function in coders/mat.c, leading to a denial of service (assertion failure and application exit) in the DestroyImageInfo function in MagickCore/image.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13658 represents a critical denial of service flaw within ImageMagick, a widely used image processing library that forms the backbone of numerous applications across web platforms, content management systems, and security tools. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 6.9.9-3 and 7.x prior to 7.0.6-3, creating a significant risk for systems that process untrusted image files. The flaw manifests in the ReadMATImage function located in the coders/mat.c file, where a critical missing NULL check creates an exploitable condition that can be triggered through maliciously crafted image files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the MAT image format parser, which is used to read MATLAB matrix files. When ImageMagick attempts to process a malformed MAT file, the ReadMATImage function fails to properly validate pointer references, leading to a scenario where a NULL pointer is dereferenced or improperly handled. This missing NULL check creates a condition where the application's internal state becomes corrupted, ultimately causing an assertion failure that terminates the application process. The flaw propagates through the system's memory management functions, specifically impacting the DestroyImageInfo function in MagickCore/image.c, where the application attempts to clean up resources but encounters the corrupted state resulting from the initial parsing error.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple service disruption, as it can be exploited in various attack scenarios that leverage the widespread use of ImageMagick across different platforms. Web applications that accept user-uploaded images, content management systems, and security tools that rely on ImageMagick for image processing are all at risk of being rendered unavailable through this denial of service attack. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes NULL Pointer Dereference, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to application instability. From an attack perspective, this flaw fits within the ATT&CK technique of Denial of Service by causing application crashes, making it particularly dangerous in environments where image processing is a core function.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-13658 primarily focus on immediate version updates to patched releases of ImageMagick, which address the missing NULL check in the ReadMATImage function. Organizations should prioritize updating their ImageMagick installations to versions 6.9.9-3 or later, or 7.0.6-3 and later for the 7.x branch, as these releases contain the necessary code modifications to properly handle NULL pointer conditions. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection, particularly when processing untrusted image files from external sources. Network-level protections such as rate limiting and file type verification can further reduce the attack surface by preventing malicious files from reaching the vulnerable processing layer. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in case of successful attacks.