CVE-2024-28562 in FreeImage
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2024
Buffer Overflow vulnerability in open source FreeImage v.3.19.0 [r1909] allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via the Imf_2_2::copyIntoFrameBuffer() component when reading images in EXR format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28562 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically affecting the Imf_2_2::copyIntoFrameBuffer() function during processing of EXR format images. This issue arises from inadequate bounds checking in the image parsing logic, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted EXR files can trigger memory corruption. The flaw exists within the OpenEXR library component that FreeImage utilizes for handling high dynamic range image files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where EXR files are processed without proper validation. The vulnerability is classified as a local privilege escalation vector since exploitation requires the ability to place malicious files on the target system, though remote exploitation remains possible if the application processes untrusted EXR content from network sources.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper memory allocation and copying operations within the copyIntoFrameBuffer function, which handles data transfer between different memory regions during EXR image decompression. When processing malformed EXR files, the function fails to validate array indices and buffer sizes, allowing an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This condition creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution through stack smashing or heap corruption techniques. The vulnerability manifests specifically when the library encounters EXR files with malformed header data or incorrect frame buffer specifications, particularly affecting the internal data structures used for handling multi-channel image data in the OpenEXR format. This flaw directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, covering heap-based buffer overflow scenarios, both of which are commonly exploited through the attacker techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and control execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28562 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise across various software ecosystems that depend on FreeImage for image processing. Applications including graphic design tools, video editing software, scientific visualization platforms, and web browsers that utilize FreeImage for EXR format support become vulnerable to this attack vector. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments where automated image processing occurs, as attackers can craft malicious EXR files that trigger the overflow during routine file handling operations. Security professionals must consider the widespread adoption of FreeImage across open source projects, commercial software, and enterprise applications, making this vulnerability a significant threat to system integrity. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many applications do not perform adequate input validation before passing image data to FreeImage components, creating multiple potential entry points for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28562 should prioritize immediate patching of FreeImage to version 3.19.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures, particularly for EXR format files, including file size limits, header validation, and content sanitization before processing. Network security controls such as file type filtering and sandboxing mechanisms should be deployed to prevent untrusted EXR files from reaching vulnerable applications. Additionally, application developers should employ address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and other exploit mitigation techniques to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities in image processing libraries, particularly those following the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1203 technique for legitimate program exploitation. System administrators should monitor for suspicious file processing activities and implement automated scanning for malicious image files in environments where EXR format processing occurs. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining updated third-party libraries and implementing robust software supply chain security measures to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in widely used open source components.