CVE-2017-18230 in GraphicsMagick
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in GraphicsMagick 1.3.26. A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability was found in the function ReadCINEONImage in coders/cineon.c, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18230 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26, specifically within the ReadCINEONImage function located in the coders/cineon.c source file. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms when processing CINEON image files, which are commonly used in digital cinema applications for storing high-resolution visual data. The flaw manifests when the software attempts to dereference a null pointer during the parsing of malformed or crafted CINEON image files, leading to an immediate application crash or termination.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability stems from the function's failure to properly validate pointer assignments before accessing memory locations. When GraphicsMagick encounters a specially crafted CINEON file, the ReadCINEONImage function does not adequately check whether certain pointers have been successfully initialized before attempting to access their contents. This null pointer dereference condition falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the software assumes pointer validity without proper validation checks, creating a predictable crash condition that attackers can exploit systematically.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it creates significant security risks for systems that process untrusted image files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to cause persistent service disruptions in applications that rely on GraphicsMagick for image processing, including web applications, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where automated image processing workflows exist, as a single malicious file could trigger cascading failures across multiple system components. The attack surface is broad since CINEON files are commonly used in professional digital cinema workflows and are often processed automatically without user intervention, making the exploitation particularly effective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18230 should prioritize immediate patching of GraphicsMagick installations to version 1.3.27 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the null pointer dereference issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures for all image file processing workflows, including mandatory file format verification and sandboxed execution environments for image processing tasks. Network-based mitigations could include implementing file type filtering at ingress points and deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for patterns consistent with image processing exploits. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving denial of service through application crashes and privilege escalation via software exploitation, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security controls under the adversary tactics and techniques framework. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems and applications.