CVE-2017-15015 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick 7.0.7-0 Q16 has a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in PDFDelegateMessage in coders/pdf.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15015 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within ImageMagick's PDF handling functionality. This issue specifically affects ImageMagick version 7.0.7-0 with Q16 configuration, where the PDFDelegateMessage function in the coders/pdf.c source file exhibits improper error handling when processing malformed PDF documents. The flaw occurs during the parsing of PDF delegate messages, creating a scenario where the application attempts to dereference a null pointer, leading to potential application crashes or system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the PDF processing pipeline. When ImageMagick encounters certain malformed or crafted PDF files, the PDFDelegateMessage function fails to properly initialize or validate pointer variables before attempting to access memory locations. This NULL pointer dereference creates an execution path where the program attempts to access memory at address zero, which is typically protected and inaccessible. The vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, making it a classic example of improper null pointer validation in security-critical software components.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that utilize ImageMagick for PDF processing, particularly in web applications, content management systems, and document processing services. Attackers could exploit this flaw by uploading or processing specially crafted PDF files that trigger the NULL pointer dereference condition, potentially causing denial of service attacks or, in more sophisticated scenarios, arbitrary code execution. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes as this vulnerability can be leveraged in automated exploitation frameworks to disrupt services continuously. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution tactic, as it enables adversaries to execute malicious code through application vulnerabilities.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-15015 requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed remotely through web interfaces that process PDF uploads or conversions. Systems running vulnerable versions of ImageMagick are particularly at risk when processing untrusted PDF content, as the vulnerability can be triggered without requiring user interaction beyond the initial PDF processing request. Organizations using ImageMagick in production environments should consider implementing network segmentation and input validation measures as immediate mitigations. The recommended remediation involves updating to patched versions of ImageMagick, specifically versions that address the NULL pointer dereference in the PDF delegate handling code. Additionally, implementing strict input validation and sanitization for PDF processing workflows, along with monitoring for abnormal application behavior, can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with PDF processing exploits and maintain comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security fixes across all affected systems.