CVE-2017-15032 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick version 7.0.7-2 contains a memory leak in ReadYCBCRImage in coders/ycbcr.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15032 affects ImageMagick version 7.0.7-2 and represents a memory leak condition within the ReadYCBCRImage function located in the coders/ycbcr.c source file. This memory leak occurs during the processing of YCbCr color space image formats, which are commonly used in digital imaging applications and video compression standards. The issue manifests when ImageMagick attempts to read and decode YCbCr formatted image data, leading to improper memory management during the image processing pipeline.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient memory deallocation within the ReadYCBCRImage function where allocated memory blocks are not properly released after processing. This memory leak is particularly concerning because it occurs during routine image format handling operations, making it exploitable through crafted image files that trigger the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-401 as a failure to release memory resources, representing a classic memory management error that can lead to progressive memory exhaustion. The flaw is particularly dangerous in environments where ImageMagick processes untrusted image files, as attackers can craft malicious YCbCr images that, when processed, consume increasing amounts of system memory over time.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems running ImageMagick, especially those serving web applications, file processing services, or automated image handling workflows. The memory leak can cause gradual system performance degradation, application crashes, or even system instability when multiple malicious image files are processed. In server environments, this vulnerability could be exploited to perform denial-of-service attacks by consuming available memory resources, potentially leading to service interruption for legitimate users. The vulnerability affects both local and remote processing scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in web applications where users can upload images that are then processed by ImageMagick.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15032 should prioritize immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that contain the memory leak fix. Organizations should implement strict image file validation and sanitization processes, particularly for user-uploaded content, to prevent exploitation through crafted malicious images. Security monitoring should include memory usage tracking for processes that utilize ImageMagick to detect anomalous memory consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing resource limits and process isolation to contain potential memory exhaustion attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for resource exhaustion attacks, where adversaries leverage memory leaks to consume system resources and disrupt service availability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify unpatched systems, while network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts.