CVE-2020-24293 in FreeImage
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2023
Buffer Overflow vulnerability in psdThumbnail::Read in PSDParser.cpp in FreeImage 3.19.0 [r1859] allows remote attackers to run arbitrary code via opening of crafted psd file.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2023
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-24293 resides within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically in the psdThumbnail::Read function located in PSDParser.cpp. This critical security flaw affects the processing of Photoshop Document files and represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited remotely through maliciously crafted psd files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking when handling thumbnail data within psd file structures, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code on systems that process these files. The flaw impacts applications leveraging FreeImage for image processing, including various graphic design tools, document viewers, and content management systems that support psd file formats.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory management during the parsing of psd thumbnail data where the application fails to validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This condition creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-121: Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which allows for arbitrary code execution through manipulation of the program execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the parsing layer of image processing libraries, making it accessible through common file operations that do not require special privileges or user interaction beyond opening a malicious file. The attack vector is classified as remote due to the ability to deliver malicious files through various network channels including email attachments, web downloads, and file sharing platforms.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-24293 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches across various attack surfaces. Systems utilizing FreeImage for image processing become vulnerable to exploitation when they process untrusted psd files, creating risks for web applications, content management systems, and graphic design software that may automatically process uploaded image files. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the victim's system. This flaw particularly affects environments where automated image processing occurs, such as online document repositories, social media platforms, and web-based graphic editors that accept user-uploaded psd files without proper sanitization. The potential for privilege escalation exists when the vulnerable applications run with elevated privileges, and the attack could be amplified through chain reactions in applications that process multiple image formats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-24293 require immediate patching of affected FreeImage library versions, with the recommended approach being the upgrade to version 3.19.1 or later where the buffer overflow has been resolved through proper bounds checking and memory management. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization procedures for all image file processing, particularly focusing on psd and other proprietary image formats that may contain similar vulnerabilities. Network-based mitigations include implementing file type restrictions and content inspection for psd files in email gateways, web proxies, and file upload systems. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file processing activities and unusual memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced where applications processing image files operate with minimal required permissions, reducing potential impact should exploitation occur. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and sandboxing mechanisms for image processing applications to contain potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper memory management in image processing libraries and the need for regular security updates across all components of digital media processing pipelines.