CVE-2017-14224 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
A heap-based buffer overflow in WritePCXImage in coders/pcx.c in ImageMagick 7.0.6-8 Q16 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or code execution via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14224 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the ImageMagick image processing library, specifically affecting the WritePCXImage function in the coders/pcx.c file. This flaw exists in ImageMagick version 7.0.6-8 with Q16 configuration, making it a significant security concern for systems that process untrusted image files. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management when handling PCX image format files, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered remotely through maliciously crafted image data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs during the processing of PCX image files when the WritePCXImage function attempts to write data to allocated memory buffers. The flaw arises from insufficient bounds checking on user-supplied data within the PCX file structure, particularly in how the function handles compressed data streams and metadata fields. When an attacker provides a malformed PCX file containing oversized data structures or malformed compression headers, the function fails to properly validate the buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can result in arbitrary code execution or system crashes. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues in software development.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14224 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could be leveraged by attackers in various attack scenarios. Systems utilizing ImageMagick for image processing, including web applications, content management systems, and file upload handlers, become vulnerable to exploitation when they process untrusted image files without proper input sanitization. The vulnerability can be exploited through common attack vectors such as web application file uploads, email attachment processing, or automated image conversion services that rely on ImageMagick for format handling. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems through image processing workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14224 should prioritize immediate patching of affected ImageMagick installations to version 7.0.6-9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures for all image file processing workflows, including the deployment of file type detection and content verification mechanisms. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking suspicious image file patterns. Additionally, system hardening measures including heap protection mechanisms, address space layout randomization, and stack canaries should be implemented to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security testing, particularly for libraries that handle untrusted binary data processing, aligning with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.