CVE-2017-14060 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.6-10, a NULL Pointer Dereference issue is present in the ReadCUTImage function in coders/cut.c that could allow an attacker to cause a Denial of Service (in the QueueAuthenticPixelCacheNexus function within the MagickCore/cache.c file) by submitting a malformed image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14060 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within ImageMagick's image processing pipeline, specifically affecting version 7.0.6-10 of the software. This issue manifests in the ReadCUTImage function located within the coders/cut.c source file, demonstrating how seemingly benign image file parsing can lead to system instability. The flaw operates by exploiting improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize malformed image data, creating a scenario where the application attempts to dereference a null memory pointer during the image processing workflow.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when ImageMagick processes a specially crafted CUT image file that contains malformed data structures. During the image reading process, the ReadCUTImage function does not properly validate the input parameters or memory allocations, allowing the execution flow to proceed to the QueueAuthenticPixelCacheNexus function in the MagickCore/cache.c file. This subsequent function then attempts to access a null pointer reference, causing the application to crash and resulting in a denial of service condition that can be exploited remotely by attackers who submit malicious image files to vulnerable systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14060 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged by malicious actors to perform automated denial of service attacks against systems that utilize ImageMagick for image processing. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications, content management systems, and any platform that accepts user-uploaded images without proper validation, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on ImageMagick for image handling operations. The flaw aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how improper error handling in image processing libraries can be weaponized for system compromise.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1499 category related to network denial of service, where the exploitation could lead to service unavailability. The vulnerability demonstrates how image processing libraries can serve as attack vectors for broader system compromise, especially when integrated into web applications that process untrusted user input. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of ImageMagick, implementing strict input validation for image files, and deploying sandboxed environments for image processing operations to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The flaw also underscores the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices in multimedia processing libraries, as these components often handle complex data structures that can be manipulated to trigger unexpected execution paths.