CVE-2024-28563 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 cause a denial of service (DoS) via the Imf_2_2::DwaCompressor::Classifier::Classifier() function when reading images in EXR format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28563 resides within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically within the Imf_2_2::DwaCompressor::Classifier::Classifier() function. This flaw manifests when processing images in EXR format, which is a high dynamic-range image file format developed by Industrial Light & Magic. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by local attackers to trigger a denial of service scenario. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the decompression logic of the DwaCompressor component, which is responsible for handling the lossless compression algorithm used in EXR files. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the library attempts to parse malformed or specially crafted EXR files that contain oversized or malformed data structures within the DwaCompressor section. During the Classifier initialization process, the code fails to properly validate the size parameters of incoming data, leading to a situation where a buffer allocated for a specific data structure receives more data than it can accommodate. This condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can cause the application using FreeImage to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because EXR files are commonly used in professional imaging applications, digital content creation workflows, and media processing pipelines where the library's stability directly impacts operational continuity. Attackers can leverage this flaw by providing malicious EXR files to applications that utilize FreeImage for image processing, potentially causing cascading failures in systems that depend on reliable image handling capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28563 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can compromise the reliability of systems that depend on FreeImage for image processing operations. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could affect content management systems, digital asset management platforms, and media processing applications that handle large volumes of image data. The local nature of the attack means that exploitation requires access to the target system, but the potential for widespread disruption remains significant given FreeImage's widespread adoption in various software applications. Organizations using FreeImage in their applications should consider the vulnerability's implications for automated image processing workflows, where a single malicious file could cause system-wide failures. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as memory corruption can often be leveraged to achieve privilege escalation or code execution in vulnerable systems. This makes the issue particularly relevant to the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, where initial access through a denial of service condition could be followed by more advanced exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28563 should focus on immediate patching of affected FreeImage versions, with particular attention to the specific function and component where the vulnerability exists. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all EXR file processing operations, including the implementation of size limits and boundary checks before any decompression activities begin. The recommended approach involves upgrading to patched versions of FreeImage where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper memory allocation and input validation mechanisms. Additionally, application developers should consider implementing sandboxing or containerization strategies for image processing components to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for suspicious image file processing activities and implement automated scanning for potentially malicious EXR files. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and dependency updates within software supply chains, as it demonstrates how seemingly benign image processing libraries can contain critical security flaws that affect entire ecosystems of applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local attack surface and reduce the likelihood of exploitation through compromised local accounts or services.