CVE-2017-15217 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick 7.0.7-2 has a memory leak in ReadSGIImage in coders/sgi.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15217 represents a critical memory leak issue within ImageMagick version 7.0.7-2, specifically affecting the ReadSGIImage function located in the coders/sgi.c file. This flaw demonstrates a classic memory management weakness that can be exploited through improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes during image processing operations. The issue arises when the software fails to properly release allocated memory resources after processing SGI image files, creating a persistent memory consumption problem that can degrade system performance and potentially lead to system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory cleanup mechanisms within the SGI image reader component of ImageMagick's extensive library of image format handlers. When processing maliciously crafted SGI image files, the ReadSGIImage function allocates memory blocks to store image data but fails to properly execute cleanup routines that would release these resources back to the operating system. This memory leak pattern falls under the CWE-401 category of insufficient resource cleanup, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core image processing layer where multiple file formats are handled, making it a potential vector for resource exhaustion attacks.
The operational impact of this memory leak vulnerability extends beyond simple performance degradation to encompass potential system compromise scenarios. An attacker could exploit this weakness by submitting multiple SGI image files to a vulnerable ImageMagick instance, causing progressive memory consumption that could eventually lead to system crashes, denial of service conditions, or even system resource exhaustion that affects other applications running on the same host. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications or services that process user-uploaded images, as it could be leveraged for sustained denial of service attacks against critical infrastructure. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which involves resource exhaustion attacks through manipulation of system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15217 should prioritize immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that address the memory leak in the SGI image reader component. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of system memory usage when processing image files, particularly focusing on identifying unusual memory consumption patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file type validation and sanitization protocols, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations, and establishing automated memory leak detection systems. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable ImageMagick instances, while regular security assessments should verify proper memory management implementation across all image processing components. The fix for this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper resource management practices and adheres to security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.