CVE-2024-28574 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 opj_j2k_copy_default_tcp_and_create_tcd() function when reading images in J2K format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28574 resides within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0 release 1909, representing a critical security flaw that can be exploited by local attackers to execute denial of service attacks. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the opj_j2k_copy_default_tcp_and_create_tcd() function which processes images encoded in JPEG 2000 format. The flaw occurs when the library attempts to handle malformed or specially crafted J2K image files, creating conditions where memory boundaries are exceeded during the parsing process. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 buffer overflow category, which is classified as a critical weakness in memory safety that can lead to unpredictable behavior and system instability. The attack vector requires local access to the system since the vulnerability is triggered during image processing operations rather than through network-based exploitation. When an attacker provides a malicious J2K file to an application utilizing FreeImage, the library's processing routine fails to properly validate buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in application crash or system hang.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where insufficient input validation allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. The opj_j2k_copy_default_tcp_and_create_tcd() function does not adequately verify the size of data structures before copying them into fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged to manipulate program execution flow or cause immediate termination of affected applications. The impact extends beyond simple DoS conditions as the memory corruption can potentially lead to more severe consequences including arbitrary code execution, though the current assessment indicates primary risk is denial of service. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because FreeImage is widely used across numerous applications and systems for image processing, making the potential attack surface extensive. Security researchers have classified this as a medium to high severity issue due to the ease of exploitation and the widespread use of the affected library components.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28574 affects any system or application that relies on FreeImage 3.19.0 for processing JPEG 2000 images, including but not limited to image viewers, document management systems, digital asset management platforms, and multimedia applications. Organizations using vulnerable software may experience unexpected application crashes, system instability, or complete service interruption when processing malicious image files. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for systems that automatically process user-uploaded images or fetch images from external sources without proper sanitization. Network-based applications that utilize FreeImage for image handling are particularly vulnerable as attackers can craft malicious J2K files to trigger the buffer overflow during routine image processing operations. The attack requires minimal privileges since it operates locally within the application context, making it accessible to any user with access to the affected system. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain access to system resources, and represents a common vector for privilege escalation and service disruption attacks in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28574 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the FreeImage development team. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest version of FreeImage that addresses this buffer overflow vulnerability, as newer releases include proper input validation and memory boundary checks. Additionally, implementing input sanitization measures can provide defense-in-depth protection, including validating image file headers, limiting file sizes, and employing sandboxed processing environments for image handling operations. Organizations should consider deploying automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify systems running vulnerable versions of FreeImage and establish monitoring protocols for unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting local access to affected systems. The implementation of application whitelisting policies and mandatory image format validation can further reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include verification of FreeImage library versions and their vulnerability status to ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats.