CVE-2017-16353 in GraphicsMagick
Summary
by MITRE
GraphicsMagick 1.3.26 is vulnerable to a memory information disclosure vulnerability found in the DescribeImage function of the magick/describe.c file, because of a heap-based buffer over-read. The portion of the code containing the vulnerability is responsible for printing the IPTC Profile information contained in the image. This vulnerability can be triggered with a specially crafted MIFF file. There is an out-of-bounds buffer dereference because certain increments are never checked.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16353 represents a critical memory information disclosure flaw within GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26, specifically affecting the DescribeImage function located in the magick/describe.c source file. This weakness stems from a heap-based buffer over-read condition that occurs during the processing of IPTC Profile information embedded within image files. The flaw manifests when GraphicsMagick attempts to parse and display metadata from specially crafted MIFF (Magick Image File Format) files, creating a scenario where the application accesses memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The root cause lies in insufficient bounds checking within the code responsible for handling IPTC profile data, where certain increment operations that control buffer traversal are never validated against buffer limits, leading to unauthorized memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read exploit pattern that aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software applications. When a maliciously constructed MIFF file is processed by GraphicsMagick, the DescribeImage function executes without proper validation of array indices, allowing the program to read memory contents that extend beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This behavior creates a potential information disclosure vector where sensitive data from adjacent memory locations may be exposed, including potentially confidential information such as stack contents, heap data, or other application memory segments. The vulnerability operates at the memory management level, where the lack of proper boundary checks in the increment operations leads to unpredictable memory access patterns that can reveal otherwise protected information.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16353 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can be leveraged by attackers to gain insights into system memory structures and potentially aid in more sophisticated exploitation techniques. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique category, specifically related to command and scripting interpreter usage, as it enables an attacker to potentially extract memory contents that could reveal system configurations or application state information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, as it can be triggered through automated processing of malicious image files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where GraphicsMagick processes untrusted image content. This weakness can be especially problematic in web applications or services that utilize GraphicsMagick for image processing, as it creates an attack surface where remote code execution or privilege escalation opportunities may exist depending on the information disclosed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16353 should focus on immediate patch application, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases of GraphicsMagick where proper bounds checking has been implemented. Organizations should prioritize updating their GraphicsMagick installations to versions 1.3.27 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer over-read condition. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help reduce the risk of exploitation, including restricting the types of image files processed and implementing strict file format validation before image processing occurs. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems that utilize GraphicsMagick for image processing, particularly in environments handling untrusted content. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on memory management practices, particularly in image processing libraries that handle complex metadata structures. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level sandboxing or containerization techniques to limit the potential impact of memory corruption vulnerabilities, aligning with security best practices recommended by NIST and other cybersecurity frameworks for protecting against similar classes of memory safety issues.