CVE-2023-47993 in FreeImage
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
A Buffer out-of-bound read vulnerability in Exif.cpp::ReadInt32 in FreeImage 3.18.0 allows attackers to cause a denial-of-service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47993 represents a critical buffer out-of-bounds read condition within the FreeImage library version 3.18.0 specifically in the Exif.cpp file at the ReadInt32 function. This flaw occurs when the library processes image files containing malformed exif metadata, creating a scenario where memory access violations can occur. The issue manifests when the application attempts to read integer values from exif data without proper bounds checking, allowing attackers to craft malicious image files that trigger memory access beyond allocated buffers. Such vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represent a fundamental weakness in input sanitization mechanisms. The FreeImage library serves as a widely-used image processing library across numerous applications and systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for potential exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ReadInt32 function failing to validate the length of exif data segments before attempting to read 32-bit integer values from memory. When processing crafted exif metadata, the function reads beyond the boundaries of allocated memory regions, potentially causing segmentation faults or undefined behavior. Attackers can exploit this by creating specially crafted image files with malformed exif data structures that cause the library to attempt reading from invalid memory addresses. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be triggered through normal image file processing operations, requiring no special privileges or complex attack vectors. This makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through common file handling operations, potentially affecting web applications, image processing systems, and desktop software that relies on FreeImage for image manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-47993 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it can potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the context of broader exploitation chains. While the immediate effect is typically a program crash or system hang, the underlying memory corruption could theoretically be extended to enable code execution under certain circumstances, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the affected applications process untrusted image content. The vulnerability affects systems using FreeImage 3.18.0 across multiple operating systems including windows linux and macos, as the library is widely integrated into various software packages and content management systems. Organizations relying on FreeImage for image processing and manipulation face significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited through common attack vectors such as web uploads, file sharing systems, or email attachments containing malicious images.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-47993 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of FreeImage where available, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent releases. System administrators should prioritize patch management and ensure all applications using FreeImage are updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes. Additionally, implementing input validation measures such as sanitizing image files before processing, using sandboxing techniques for image handling operations, and deploying intrusion detection systems can help reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for denial-of-service, and T1059, which involves the execution of malicious code through compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation paths, while monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems potentially affected by this issue and ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities.