CVE-2017-14342 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick 7.0.6-6 has a memory exhaustion vulnerability in ReadWPGImage in coders/wpg.c via a crafted wpg image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14342 represents a critical memory exhaustion issue within ImageMagick version 7.0.6-6, specifically affecting the ReadWPGImage function located in the coders/wpg.c source file. This flaw manifests when processing specially crafted wpg image files, which are part of the WordPerfect Graphics format family. The vulnerability operates by exploiting improper memory management during the parsing of maliciously constructed image data, leading to excessive memory consumption that can ultimately result in system resource exhaustion.
This memory exhaustion vulnerability falls under the CWE-400 category of Uncontrolled Resource Consumption, specifically targeting memory resources through improper input validation. The flaw enables an attacker to craft wpg files that, when processed by ImageMagick, trigger excessive memory allocation patterns. The technical implementation involves the ReadWPGImage function failing to properly validate or limit memory consumption during the parsing of image headers and pixel data structures. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications that utilize ImageMagick for image processing, file upload systems, or automated image conversion services.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14342 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially lead to system instability, application crashes, or even allow for more sophisticated attacks depending on the execution environment. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause applications using ImageMagick to consume excessive memory resources, potentially leading to system-wide performance degradation or complete system crashes. In web server environments, this vulnerability could be leveraged to perform resource exhaustion attacks against image processing services, making it particularly dangerous for applications that handle user-uploaded content. The vulnerability affects systems where ImageMagick is used for image processing and conversion, including but not limited to web applications, content management systems, and automated image handling services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14342 should focus on immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that address the memory management issues in the ReadWPGImage function. Organizations should implement input validation measures to restrict or filter wpg image uploads, particularly in environments where user-generated content is processed. Network-based mitigations include implementing file type validation, setting memory limits on image processing operations, and employing sandboxing techniques to contain potential memory exhaustion effects. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique related to Network Denial of Service, as well as T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, since exploitation may involve command-line processing of malicious files. Security practitioners should also consider implementing monitoring for unusual memory consumption patterns and establishing automated alerts for potential exploitation attempts targeting image processing libraries.