CVE-2024-28569 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::Xdr::read() function when reading images in EXR format.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28569 resides within the FreeImage open source library version 3.19.0 release r1909 and represents a critical security flaw that enables local privilege escalation through arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability specifically affects the Imf_2_2::Xdr::read() function which processes images in EXR (OpenEXR) format, a widely used image file format in professional visual effects and computer graphics applications. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking during the parsing of EXR file structures, allowing an attacker to craft malicious image files that trigger memory corruption when processed by vulnerable applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overflow condition where the Xdr::read() function fails to validate the size of data structures before attempting to read them into fixed-size buffers. When an attacker provides an EXR file containing malformed data structures, the function reads beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow and ultimately achieve arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because EXR files are commonly used in professional environments where users may unknowingly open malicious files, and the attack surface extends to any application that utilizes the FreeImage library for image processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28569 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations across numerous software applications. The vulnerability affects any software that relies on FreeImage v3.19.0 for EXR image processing, which includes professional image editing software, rendering applications, game engines, and various media processing tools. Attackers can leverage this flaw by preparing specially crafted EXR files that, when opened by vulnerable applications, trigger the buffer overflow condition. The attack vector is particularly dangerous in professional environments where users regularly handle image files from external sources or collaborative workflows, making the exploitation risk highly significant for organizations using affected software stacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also map to CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows depending on the specific memory corruption pattern observed during exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28569 should prioritize immediate patching of the FreeImage library to version 3.19.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition in the Imf_2_2::Xdr::read() function. Organizations should implement comprehensive application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of untrusted image files and deploy runtime application control measures that monitor for suspicious memory access patterns. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all systems that utilize FreeImage libraries, particularly those handling user-uploaded or externally sourced image files. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that all applications using FreeImage have been updated to secure versions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through compromised applications that process EXR files, making it a significant concern for enterprise security postures that rely on image processing workflows.