CVE-2017-14528 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
The TIFFSetProfiles function in coders/tiff.c in ImageMagick 7.0.6 has incorrect expectations about whether LibTIFF TIFFGetField return values imply that data validation has occurred, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (use-after-free after an invalid call to TIFFSetField, and application crash) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14528 resides within ImageMagick's TIFF codec implementation, specifically in the TIFFSetProfiles function located in coders/tiff.c. This flaw represents a classic case of improper error handling and assumption validation that can be exploited to trigger arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability affects ImageMagick version 7.0.6 and demonstrates how seemingly minor issues in library function behavior can cascade into significant security risks. The root cause stems from the application's incorrect assumptions regarding LibTIFF's TIFFGetField return value semantics, which directly impacts how the system handles memory management and data validation during file processing operations.
The technical flaw manifests when the TIFFSetProfiles function makes incorrect assumptions about the validation state implied by TIFFGetField return values. In proper software design, function return values should clearly indicate whether data validation has been completed or whether subsequent operations are safe to perform. However, in this case, ImageMagick's implementation incorrectly interprets these return values, leading to scenarios where memory is accessed after it has been freed or improperly deallocated. This misinterpretation creates a use-after-free condition that occurs when the application attempts to access memory that was previously freed due to an invalid TIFFSetField call, ultimately resulting in application crashes or potential code execution. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory management and data validation, where incorrect state assumptions lead to memory corruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against systems processing TIFF images through ImageMagick. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the use-after-free condition can potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks, including arbitrary code execution in vulnerable environments. The attack vector requires only a specially crafted TIFF file that triggers the problematic code path, making it particularly dangerous for web applications, file processing services, or any system that accepts user-uploaded image files. The vulnerability affects systems where ImageMagick is used as a backend image processing library, including content management systems, web applications, and file conversion services that process untrusted image data.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14528 should focus on immediate patching of ImageMagick to version 7.0.7-1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly handle LibTIFF return values and prevent the incorrect assumptions that lead to memory corruption. Organizations should also implement defensive programming practices such as validating all external data inputs and implementing proper memory management protocols. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be employed to limit exposure to systems processing untrusted image files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which addresses use-after-free errors, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1203 for process injection and T1499 for endpoint denial of service, highlighting the broader attack surface implications. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and application crashes related to image processing operations to identify potential exploitation attempts.