CVE-2017-17504 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick before 7.0.7-12 has a coders/png.c Magick_png_read_raw_profile heap-based buffer over-read via a crafted file, related to ReadOneMNGImage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17504 affects ImageMagick versions prior to 7.0.7-12 and represents a critical heap-based buffer over-read flaw in the coders/png.c module. This issue specifically manifests when processing crafted png files through the ReadOneMNGImage function, creating a scenario where maliciously constructed image data can cause the application to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the PNG profile handling code, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns that exceed the intended buffer limits. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in image processing applications that handle untrusted input from various sources including web uploads, email attachments, or file transfers from unknown origins.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of PNG image headers and metadata structures to trigger an over-read condition during the parsing of raw profiles within the MNG (Multiple Network Graphics) image format support. When ImageMagick encounters a specially crafted PNG file, the ReadOneMNGImage function fails to properly validate the size parameters of profile data, leading to memory access beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This over-read behavior can result in information disclosure, application crashes, or potentially more severe consequences depending on the execution environment and memory layout. The flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper bounds checking in image format parsers can create exploitable conditions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious image files that, when processed by vulnerable ImageMagick installations, trigger the buffer over-read condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17504 extends significantly across various threat scenarios and system configurations. Web applications that utilize ImageMagick for image processing are particularly at risk when handling user-uploaded content, as attackers can upload maliciously crafted PNG files to trigger the vulnerability. This creates potential for remote code execution in scenarios where ImageMagick is used in server-side processing environments with elevated privileges. The vulnerability also impacts automated image processing systems, content management platforms, and any application that relies on ImageMagick for image manipulation tasks. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through image manipulation, and T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities in image processing pipelines. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when ImageMagick is configured to process images automatically without proper input sanitization, making it a significant concern for organizations running web services or file processing systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17504 primarily focus on immediate version updates to ImageMagick 7.0.7-12 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer over-read condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable systems receive updates promptly, particularly those running web applications or automated image processing workflows. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for image files, configuring ImageMagick with restricted file format support, and deploying sandboxing mechanisms to isolate image processing operations. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious image files before they reach vulnerable systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual image processing activities or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of image processing pipelines and vulnerability scanning of systems using ImageMagick should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues. The remediation process should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for ImageMagick execution contexts and utilizing containerization or virtualization to limit potential impact if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also maintain awareness of related vulnerabilities in the ImageMagick codebase and monitor security advisories from vendors and security research communities to prevent similar issues from affecting their environments.