CVE-2018-10177 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.7-28, there is an infinite loop in the ReadOneMNGImage function of the coders/png.c file. Remote attackers could leverage this vulnerability to cause a denial of service via a crafted mng file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10177 represents a critical denial of service flaw within ImageMagick version 7.0.7-28, specifically manifesting in the ReadOneMNGImage function located within the coders/png.c source file. This issue arises from an infinite loop condition that occurs when processing specially crafted MNG (Multiple Network Graphics) files, effectively allowing remote attackers to exploit the system by simply submitting maliciously formatted graphics files. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with a denial of service attack vector where system resources become consumed indefinitely, rendering the affected service unavailable to legitimate users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and loop termination logic within the MNG file parsing routine. When ImageMagick attempts to read and process a malformed MNG file, the ReadOneMNGImage function enters an infinite loop that prevents normal execution flow, causing the application to hang or consume excessive CPU resources. This condition is particularly dangerous because MNG files are commonly used in web applications and digital media processing systems, making the attack surface broad and accessible to remote threat actors. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-835, which specifically addresses infinite loops or other forms of indefinite looping that can lead to denial of service conditions. From an operational perspective, this flaw directly impacts the availability and reliability of systems that depend on ImageMagick for image processing tasks, potentially causing cascading failures in applications that rely on proper image handling functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10177 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader security implications for systems processing multimedia content. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through various means including web application uploads, email attachments, or any scenario where MNG files are processed without proper sanitization. The infinite loop condition can be triggered by manipulating specific header values or data structures within the MNG file format, making it relatively simple to craft malicious payloads that will cause system resources to be consumed indefinitely. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a classic example of how seemingly benign file format processing can become a vector for system compromise. Organizations utilizing ImageMagick in production environments face significant risk from this flaw, as it can be exploited to exhaust system resources and potentially impact other services running on the same infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10177 require immediate action to upgrade ImageMagick to version 7.0.7-29 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the infinite loop condition in the MNG file processing code. System administrators should implement strict file validation and sanitization protocols, particularly for user-uploaded content, to prevent malicious MNG files from reaching the processing layer. Additionally, network-level controls such as content filtering and rate limiting can help reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and implementing comprehensive input validation across all multimedia processing systems. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual resource consumption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams must prioritize patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for rapid response to file format processing flaws that can impact system availability and resource integrity.