CVE-2024-28567 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 FreeImage_CreateICCProfile() function when reading images in TIFF format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28567 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically affecting the FreeImage_CreateICCProfile() function during TIFF image processing operations. This open source library serves as a comprehensive image processing framework widely utilized across various applications and systems for handling multiple image formats including TIFF. The buffer overflow occurs when the library attempts to process malformed or specially crafted TIFF files that contain improperly structured ICC color profile data, creating a scenario where memory boundaries are exceeded during the profile creation process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the FreeImage_CreateICCProfile() function. When processing TIFF images, the library reads ICC profile information without proper bounds checking on the profile data length or structure, allowing an attacker to craft malicious TIFF files that deliberately overflow allocated buffers. This flaw falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe memory operations where the library fails to validate the size of incoming data before attempting to copy it into fixed-size memory buffers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the library level, meaning any application utilizing FreeImage for TIFF processing becomes potentially vulnerable to this attack vector.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems that process TIFF images, particularly those in enterprise environments where document management, digital imaging, and scientific visualization applications are prevalent. Local attackers can exploit this flaw to trigger denial of service conditions, causing applications to crash or become unresponsive, effectively disrupting legitimate operations. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the vulnerability could potentially be leveraged in more sophisticated attacks if combined with other exploitation techniques, though the current analysis indicates primary risk lies in DoS scenarios. Systems utilizing FreeImage for automated image processing workflows, medical imaging systems, or any application that accepts user-uploaded TIFF files are particularly at risk, as these environments provide ideal conditions for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28567 should prioritize immediate patching of affected FreeImage library versions, with organizations monitoring for updates from the FreeImage project maintainers. System administrators should implement input validation controls at application layers that utilize FreeImage, including sanitizing image file inputs and implementing proper error handling for image processing operations. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to limit potential exploitation impact. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1550.001, representing use of valid accounts for privilege escalation, though the primary threat vector remains local privilege escalation through service disruption. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for unusual application crashes or resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where TIFF file processing is routine.