CVE-2017-17501 in GraphicsMagick
Summary
by MITRE
WriteOnePNGImage in coders/png.c in GraphicsMagick 1.3.26 has a heap-based buffer over-read via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17501 resides within GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26, specifically within the WriteOnePNGImage function located in the coders/png.c file. This issue represents a heap-based buffer over-read that occurs when processing specially crafted png image files, making it a critical security flaw that can potentially lead to system compromise or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the handling of png image data structures, particularly when the software attempts to write png image data to memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the WriteOnePNGImage function failing to properly validate the size and structure of incoming png data before attempting to write it to memory. When a maliciously crafted png file is processed, the function reads beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially accessing uninitialized memory or memory belonging to other processes. This over-read condition can expose sensitive data from adjacent memory locations or cause unpredictable program behavior that may be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The vulnerability manifests as a classic buffer over-read scenario where the program reads memory beyond the allocated buffer, violating memory safety principles and creating potential attack vectors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability affects any system running GraphicsMagick 1.3.26 that processes png image files from untrusted sources. The exploitability of this flaw depends on the attacker's ability to convince a victim to process a maliciously crafted png file, which could occur through various attack vectors such as web applications accepting user-uploaded images, email attachments, or file sharing platforms. The potential consequences include information disclosure, system crashes, or in severe cases, remote code execution depending on the specific memory layout and system configuration. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and control through application execution.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17501 primarily involve upgrading to GraphicsMagick version 1.3.27 or later, where the buffer over-read issue has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should also implement strict input validation for all image file processing, particularly in web applications and file handling systems. Additional defensive measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing sandboxing mechanisms for image processing, and conducting regular security assessments of image handling components. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates, as this vulnerability represents a known risk that could be exploited by threat actors targeting graphics processing libraries in web applications and content management systems.