CVE-2017-8350 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.5-5, the ReadJNGImage function in png.c allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory leak) via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8350 represents a critical memory management flaw within ImageMagick's handling of JPEG Network Graphics files. This issue specifically affects version 7.0.5-5 of the software and stems from improper memory allocation and deallocation practices within the ReadJNGImage function located in the png.c source file. The flaw manifests when ImageMagick processes maliciously crafted JNG files, leading to a memory leak condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to consume system resources progressively.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation and memory management routines implemented in the image processing pipeline. When the ReadJNGImage function encounters a malformed JNG file, it fails to properly release allocated memory segments, creating a gradual accumulation of memory consumption that can eventually lead to system instability or complete denial of service. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-401, which specifically addresses Improper Release of Memory Before Removing Last Reference, and represents a classic example of resource exhaustion attacks that target memory management functions within image processing libraries. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and systems reliability, where improper error handling leads to predictable resource consumption patterns.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on ImageMagick for image processing tasks, particularly in web applications and content management systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading or providing malicious JNG files to systems that utilize ImageMagick for image handling, leading to progressive memory consumption that may eventually crash the application or exhaust system resources. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it can affect system availability and performance, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt services or create conditions for further exploitation. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers Network Denial of Service, and demonstrates how memory-related flaws can be leveraged for service disruption attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8350 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that contain the patched ReadJNGImage function with proper memory management. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures to filter potentially malicious image files before processing, utilizing file type detection and content verification mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should deploy resource monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional protection layers by blocking suspicious image file uploads or requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security patching and proper memory management practices in image processing libraries, emphasizing that even seemingly benign file format handling can present significant security risks when proper resource management is not implemented.