CVE-2024-28570 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 processMakerNote() function when reading images in JPEG format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28570 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically affecting the processMakerNote() function during JPEG image processing operations. This open source library serves as a comprehensive image processing framework widely adopted across various software applications and systems, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective. The flaw manifests when the library attempts to parse MakerNote metadata from JPEG files, which contains manufacturer-specific information about camera settings and image parameters. The buffer overflow occurs due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the function responsible for handling this metadata extraction process, creating a potential exploitation vector for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the processMakerNote() function, which fails to properly validate the size of incoming data before attempting to copy it into fixed-size buffers. This classic buffer overflow condition arises when the library allocates a predetermined amount of memory for storing MakerNote data but receives input that exceeds these allocated bounds. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where the excessive data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and leading to unpredictable behavior. When processing maliciously crafted JPEG files containing oversized MakerNote sections, the function executes without proper boundary checks, causing memory corruption that manifests as application crashes or system instability.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems that rely on FreeImage for image processing, particularly those handling untrusted user uploads or external image sources. The local attacker can exploit this flaw to trigger a denial of service condition, rendering applications that utilize FreeImage unavailable to legitimate users. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes, as the vulnerability could potentially be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks if combined with other exploitation techniques or if the vulnerable system runs with elevated privileges. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications, content management systems, and digital asset management platforms that process user-submitted images, as these environments often lack robust input sanitization mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28570 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. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all image metadata before processing, particularly focusing on MakerNote sections within JPEG files. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can access vulnerable image processing functions. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for suspicious image processing patterns and establish regular vulnerability assessment protocols to identify similar issues within other open source components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 as Exploitation for Execution, highlighting the need for defensive measures that prevent local privilege escalation and maintain system availability. Additionally, organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid identification and containment of potential exploitation attempts, as the DoS condition can be used as a preliminary step in more complex attack campaigns targeting the broader system infrastructure.