CVE-2019-12979 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
ImageMagick 7.0.8-34 has a "use of uninitialized value" vulnerability in the SyncImageSettings function in MagickCore/image.c. This is related to AcquireImage in magick/image.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12979 represents a critical memory safety issue within ImageMagick's image processing library, specifically affecting version 7.0.8-34. This flaw manifests as a "use of uninitialized value" condition that occurs within the SyncImageSettings function located in the MagickCore/image.c source file. The vulnerability's root cause is directly linked to improper initialization of memory structures during image processing operations, creating potential pathways for malicious exploitation. The issue stems from the interaction between SyncImageSettings and AcquireImage functions in the magick/image.c file, where memory allocated for image metadata and properties is not properly initialized before use. This memory management deficiency creates a condition where uninitialized data may be accessed during image processing workflows, particularly when handling malformed or crafted image files.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes through controlled memory access patterns. When the SyncImageSettings function processes image metadata, it relies on values that may not have been properly initialized by the AcquireImage function, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate image files to trigger undefined behavior. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and image processing, where the uninitialized memory values could contain sensitive data from previous operations or may be manipulated to control program execution flow. The flaw aligns with CWE-457, which specifically addresses the use of uninitialized variables in software development, and represents a classic example of how improper memory initialization can lead to security vulnerabilities in complex processing libraries.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-12979 is significant within environments that utilize ImageMagick for image handling, particularly in web applications, content management systems, and automated processing pipelines. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by submitting maliciously crafted image files that, when processed by ImageMagick, trigger the uninitialized memory access condition. This could result in denial of service attacks through application crashes, or more severe exploitation scenarios where attackers leverage the uninitialized memory to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in server-side image processing contexts where user-uploaded files are automatically processed, as it can be triggered without user interaction beyond the initial file upload. The attack surface is broad given ImageMagick's widespread adoption across various platforms and applications, making this vulnerability a high-priority concern for security teams managing image processing workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-12979 should focus on immediate patching of affected ImageMagick installations to version 7.0.8-35 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the uninitialized memory handling issue. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all image files processed through ImageMagick, particularly in web-facing applications where user uploads occur. Network-level defenses can include implementing file type validation, size restrictions, and automated scanning for potentially malicious image files before processing. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual processing patterns or crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the underlying memory initialization problem by ensuring that all image metadata structures are properly initialized before being accessed by the SyncImageSettings function, thereby eliminating the use of uninitialized values that could be manipulated by attackers. System administrators should also consider implementing sandboxing or containerization strategies for image processing services to limit potential impact should exploitation occur, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through system commands and T1203 for exploitation of remote services.