CVE-2024-28219 in python-pillow
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
In _imagingcms.c in Pillow before 10.3.0, a buffer overflow exists because strcpy is used instead of strncpy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28219 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Pillow library's imagingcms.c module, affecting versions prior to 10.3.0. This flaw arises from the improper use of the unsafe strcpy function which does not perform bounds checking on string copies. The vulnerability specifically impacts the color management system functionality within Pillow, a widely-used Python library for image processing that serves as a de facto standard for handling various image formats including jpeg png and tiff. The buffer overflow occurs when processing color profile data during image manipulation operations, creating potential for arbitrary code execution or system compromise when maliciously crafted image files are processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the fundamental difference between strcpy and strncpy functions in C programming. The strcpy function copies strings without checking the destination buffer size, allowing data to overflow beyond allocated memory boundaries. In contrast, strncpy performs bounds checking and prevents buffer overflows by limiting the number of characters copied. This particular flaw falls under CWE-121 which categorizes buffer overflow conditions occurring when insufficient bounds checking is performed during string operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through image processing workflows where user-supplied image files are parsed and manipulated, making it a prime target for remote code execution attacks in web applications and image processing services.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28219 extends across numerous security domains and threat vectors as identified by ATT&CK framework category T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Applications utilizing Pillow for image handling including web platforms content management systems e-commerce sites and image processing pipelines become vulnerable to attack when processing untrusted image data. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web application exploitation via image upload functionality, server-side request forgery attacks, and automated scanning tools that target vulnerable image processing libraries. The attack surface is particularly broad given Pillow's extensive adoption across Python-based applications and its integration into popular frameworks such as Django and Flask.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28219 require immediate patching of affected Pillow versions to 10.3.0 or later where the buffer overflow has been corrected through proper implementation of strncpy instead of strcpy. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures including automated patch deployment and regular security scanning of their application environments. Additional defensive measures include input validation and sanitization of image files before processing, implementation of restricted execution environments for image processing operations, and network segmentation to limit potential attack impact. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual image processing activities and implementing web application firewalls to block suspicious image upload attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and adherence to security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for preventing similar buffer overflow conditions in software development lifecycle processes.