CVE-2017-8349 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.5-5, the ReadSFWImage function in sfw.c allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory leak) via a crafted file.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8349 represents a critical memory management flaw within ImageMagick's handling of SFW image files. This issue affects version 7.0.5-5 of the widely used image processing library, which is employed by numerous applications and systems for image manipulation and conversion tasks. The vulnerability specifically resides in the ReadSFWImage function located within the sfw.c source file, where improper memory allocation and deallocation mechanisms create persistent memory leaks that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the SFW image parsing routine. When ImageMagick encounters a specially crafted SFW file, the ReadSFWImage function fails to properly release allocated memory resources during the parsing process. This memory leak occurs repeatedly with each processed file, leading to progressive memory consumption that eventually results in system instability and denial of service conditions. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-401, which addresses improper release of memory after its allocation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where ImageMagick processes untrusted image files from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8349 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader security implications for systems relying on ImageMagick. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to consume system resources progressively, potentially causing system crashes, application hangs, or complete system exhaustion. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web applications, content management systems, and other environments where users can upload image files, as it allows for remote exploitation without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of how memory management flaws can be weaponized for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8349 primarily focus on immediate software updates and implementation of defensive measures. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to ImageMagick versions that contain patches for this vulnerability, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure. Additionally, implementing strict file validation and sanitization measures can help prevent exploitation by rejecting malformed SFW files before they reach the vulnerable parsing functions. System administrators should also consider deploying memory monitoring tools to detect unusual memory consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level defenses such as sandboxing image processing operations and implementing resource limits on image handling processes can provide additional protection layers against potential abuse of this vulnerability.