CVE-2024-28577 in FreeImage
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2024
Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability in open source FreeImage v.3.19.0 [r1909] allows a local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) via the jpeg_read_exif_profile_raw() function when reading images in JPEG format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The CVE-2024-28577 vulnerability represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically affecting the jpeg_read_exif_profile_raw() function during JPEG image processing operations. This open source library serves as a comprehensive image processing framework utilized across numerous software applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widespread impact. The flaw manifests when the library attempts to read EXIF profile data from JPEG images, creating a scenario where a null pointer is dereferenced during the parsing process, ultimately leading to application crashes and system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the jpeg_read_exif_profile_raw() function, which fails to properly handle malformed or specially crafted JPEG files containing invalid EXIF metadata structures. When the library encounters such malformed data, it attempts to access memory locations through a null pointer reference, causing the application to terminate abruptly. This behavior aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software systems, and represents a classic example of improper error handling in image processing pipelines. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and input validation, where the absence of proper null checks during metadata parsing creates exploitable conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local attackers to execute successful denial of service attacks against systems utilizing FreeImage for image processing tasks. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially disrupt entire image handling workflows within applications that depend on FreeImage, including graphic design software, digital asset management systems, and content management platforms. The local attack vector means that exploitation does not require network access or complex remote delivery mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or process untrusted image files. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, though in this case the impact is localized to application-level service disruption rather than network infrastructure.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-28577 requires immediate patching of affected FreeImage installations to version 3.19.1 or later, which includes the necessary code fixes to properly validate EXIF metadata structures before attempting to access related memory locations. System administrators should prioritize updating all applications that utilize FreeImage, particularly those handling user-uploaded content or processing untrusted image files. Additionally, implementing input validation measures at the application layer can provide defense-in-depth protection, including sanitizing image file inputs and implementing proper error handling routines that can gracefully manage malformed image data. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual application crash patterns or service disruptions that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's impact is detectable through standard system monitoring tools. The fix addresses the root cause by introducing proper null pointer checks and robust error handling within the EXIF profile reading function, preventing the application from crashing when encountering malformed JPEG metadata structures.