CVE-2024-28579 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 FreeImage_Unload() function when reading images in HDR format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28579 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically affecting the FreeImage_Unload() function during processing of High Dynamic Range image files. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and memory management practices when handling HDR format data structures, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted image files can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability is classified as a local attack vector, meaning that exploitation requires the attacker to have local system access or to be able to influence the loading of image files through legitimate means within the application ecosystem. The affected function operates during the image unloading process, which occurs after an image has been successfully loaded and processed, making this a particularly insidious flaw as it can be triggered even after successful image parsing.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from improper bounds checking within the HDR image parsing logic that fails to validate the size of data structures before attempting memory operations. When FreeImage_Unload() processes HDR format images, it encounters malformed or oversized metadata fields that exceed allocated buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can result in application crashes or system instability. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of improper input validation and inadequate memory management practices that are commonly exploited in software security breaches. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because HDR format files often contain complex metadata structures with varying data sizes, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers to craft malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28579 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors depending on the application environment. Systems that rely heavily on FreeImage for image processing, including content management systems, digital asset management platforms, and multimedia applications, face significant risk from this vulnerability. The local nature of the attack means that it can be exploited through various means including social engineering, compromised software updates, or by placing malicious image files in accessible directories. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can cause applications to crash unpredictably, leading to service interruption and potential data loss. The vulnerability may also provide a foothold for further attacks if the application environment allows for code execution or memory manipulation, as the corrupted memory state could potentially be leveraged to execute arbitrary code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28579 should focus on immediate patching of the FreeImage library to version 3.19.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should prioritize updating all applications that utilize FreeImage for image processing, particularly those handling user-uploaded content or external image sources. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for image files, deploying application sandboxing techniques, and monitoring for unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in open source libraries, as these components are often integrated into numerous applications without thorough security review. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of vulnerable FreeImage versions and provide alerts for remediation. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting local access to affected systems and preventing unauthorized file placement. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews of applications that depend on FreeImage to identify potential secondary vulnerabilities that might arise from improper error handling or memory management patterns.