CVE-2024-28568 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 read_iptc_profile() function when reading images in TIFF format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28568 exists within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically affecting the read_iptc_profile() function during TIFF image processing operations. This open source library serves as a critical component for image handling across numerous applications and systems, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective. The flaw manifests when the library attempts to parse IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) metadata embedded within TIFF image files, creating a scenario where insufficient input validation leads to memory corruption. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow condition that falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow issues where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted TIFF files containing malformed IPTC profile data that triggers the buffer overflow during the read_iptc_profile() function execution. When a local attacker provides such malicious input to an application utilizing FreeImage v.3.19.0, the library's memory management routines fail to properly validate the size of incoming data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This condition results in memory corruption that typically manifests as program termination or system instability, effectively enabling a denial of service attack against the affected system or application. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges beyond normal file access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications process untrusted image data from multiple sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28568 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks depending on the environment where affected applications operate. Applications that rely on FreeImage for image processing, including content management systems, digital asset management platforms, and various multimedia applications, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The local nature of the attack means that adversaries need only access to the target system to execute the exploit, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or systems where untrusted users have file upload capabilities. From an attack technique perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation or denial of service, and T1059, which involves command and control through application execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28568 primarily focus on immediate software updates and application-level protections. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of FreeImage that addresses the buffer overflow condition in the read_iptc_profile() function, with version 3.19.1 or later recommended. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all systems and applications utilizing FreeImage v.3.19.0, as the vulnerability may be present in numerous software packages that depend on this library. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at the application level can provide defense-in-depth protection, including validating file formats, limiting file sizes, and sanitizing IPTC metadata before processing. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be considered to limit potential lateral movement if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough regression testing to ensure that updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing workflows or application functionality.