CVE-2024-28580 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 ReadData() function when reading images in RAS format.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-28580 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FreeImage library version 3.19.0, specifically affecting the ReadData() function during processing of RAS format image files. This open source library serves as a comprehensive image processing solution utilized across numerous software applications and systems, making the vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective. The flaw arises from inadequate bounds checking within the image parsing routine, where the application fails to properly validate the size of incoming data structures before attempting to copy or process them into fixed-size buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of RAS image format data structures, where attacker-controlled input can cause memory corruption through buffer overflows. When the ReadData() function processes maliciously crafted RAS files, the lack of proper input validation allows an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. This memory corruption directly enables arbitrary code execution capabilities, as demonstrated by the local privilege escalation potential within the affected environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which classifies buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems relying on FreeImage for image processing tasks, particularly in environments where untrusted image files might be processed. The local execution requirement means that attackers must already have access to the target system to exploit this vulnerability, but the privilege escalation potential remains high given that the library is often used in applications with elevated privileges. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability in scenarios involving automated image processing systems, web applications accepting user-uploaded images, or any system that utilizes FreeImage for image manipulation without proper input sanitization. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques or when the vulnerable library runs with administrative privileges.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability encompass both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to FreeImage versions that contain patches for this specific buffer overflow issue, ensuring that all systems utilizing the library receive the appropriate updates. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within applications that use FreeImage can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and other exploit mitigation techniques can significantly reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing file type validation, sandboxing image processing operations, and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date open source components and the necessity of thorough security testing for image processing libraries. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised image processing pipeline, potentially leading to further lateral movement or persistence within the affected environment.