CVE-2017-18253 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in ImageMagick 7.0.7. A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability was found in the function LoadOpenCLDevices in MagickCore/opencl.c, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18253 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within ImageMagick version 7.0.7, specifically affecting the LoadOpenCLDevices function located in the MagickCore/opencl.c source file. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms when processing specially crafted image files that contain malformed OpenCL device information. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to dereference a null pointer during the OpenCL device enumeration process, creating a condition where the software crashes or becomes unresponsive when encountering maliciously constructed input files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of image file formats that trigger the LoadOpenCLDevices function to process invalid or unexpected OpenCL device data structures. When ImageMagick encounters a crafted file containing malformed OpenCL device information, the function fails to properly validate the device handle pointers before attempting to access them, resulting in a NULL pointer dereference. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a classic denial of service vector that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18253 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including web application exploitation, file upload vulnerabilities, and automated scanning systems. Attackers can craft malicious image files that, when processed by vulnerable ImageMagick installations, will cause the application to crash or hang indefinitely, effectively rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where ImageMagick is used as a backend processing component for file uploads, content management systems, or image processing pipelines, as it can be exploited to perform persistent denial of service attacks against critical infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion or application crashes. The vulnerability can be exploited in automated attack frameworks that scan for vulnerable web applications or systems, making it a target for widespread exploitation. Organizations running vulnerable versions of ImageMagick should prioritize immediate patching and implementation of input validation measures, including file type verification, size limitations, and sandboxed processing environments. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns of service disruption that may indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to ImageMagick version 7.0.8 or later, where the NULL pointer dereference has been addressed through improved input validation and error handling mechanisms.