CVE-2019-19952 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE
In ImageMagick 7.0.9-7 Q16, there is a use-after-free in the function MngInfoDiscardObject of coders/png.c, related to ReadOneMNGImage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19952 represents a critical use-after-free condition within ImageMagick's handling of MNG (Multiple Network Graphics) image formats. This flaw exists in version 7.0.9-7 Q16 and specifically manifests in the MngInfoDiscardObject function located within the coders/png.c source file. The issue is triggered during the processing of MNG images through the ReadOneMNGImage function, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process untrusted image content. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management where freed memory locations are accessed after the MngInfoDiscardObject function has been executed, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution or system compromise.
This use-after-free vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses the use of freed memory conditions in software applications. The flaw demonstrates a classic memory safety issue where the application fails to properly track memory allocation and deallocation cycles. When processing MNG images, the application allocates memory for MNG information structures and subsequently frees them, but fails to nullify pointers or properly manage the reference counts that could lead to accessing deallocated memory regions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because MNG format support in ImageMagick is widely used across various platforms and applications, including web servers, content management systems, and image processing pipelines that may be exposed to untrusted input.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-19952 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited. Attackers can craft malicious MNG files that, when processed by vulnerable ImageMagick installations, will trigger the use-after-free condition. This exploitation can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web environments where ImageMagick is used for image processing, as attackers can upload malicious images that will be processed by the server, creating a remote code execution vector. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain system access, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through compromised applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of ImageMagick installations to versions that address the memory management issues in the MngInfoDiscardObject function. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all image uploads, particularly when using ImageMagick for processing user-submitted content. The use of sandboxing techniques and restricted execution environments can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can prevent unauthorized users from submitting potentially malicious images to systems that process image content. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual image processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should verify that all ImageMagick components are updated to secure versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of comprehensive memory safety testing and code review practices, particularly for applications handling complex multimedia formats that involve extensive memory management operations.