CVE-2017-18272 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.7-16 Q16 x86_64 2017-12-25, there is a use-after-free in ReadOneMNGImage in coders/png.c, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service via a crafted MNG image file that is mishandled in an MngInfoDiscardObject call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-18272 represents a critical use-after-free condition within ImageMagick's handling of Multiple Network Graphics MNG format files. This flaw exists in the ReadOneMNGImage function located in the coders/png.c source file of ImageMagick version 7.0.7-16. The issue manifests when processing specially crafted MNG image files that trigger improper memory management during the MngInfoDiscardObject call sequence. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-416 as a use-after-free error where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating a potential for arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the memory management routines within ImageMagick's MNG parser where objects are allocated and subsequently freed during image processing. When an attacker provides a maliciously constructed MNG file, the parser fails to properly track object references, leading to a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed again. This memory corruption occurs during the MngInfoDiscardObject function call, which is responsible for cleaning up temporary data structures. The flaw specifically affects the x86_64 architecture version of ImageMagick running on Linux systems, making it particularly relevant for web servers and applications that process user-uploaded images.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18272 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution depending on the system configuration and memory layout. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to crash the ImageMagick processing service, causing denial of service for legitimate users, or in more sophisticated attacks, potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the ImageMagick process. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web applications that process uploaded images, as it could allow attackers to compromise entire web servers or application environments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling process injection and memory corruption attacks through image processing components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18272 require immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to version 7.0.7-17 or later where the memory management issues have been addressed. Organizations should implement strict image validation and sanitization processes that reject potentially malicious image files before they reach the ImageMagick processing pipeline. Additionally, deploying network segmentation and access controls can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms and privilege separation to contain potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in image processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation in multimedia file handling components. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and process crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts against image processing services.