CVE-2026-109275 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2026
ImageMagick before 6.9.13-57 and 7.x before 7.1.2-32 contains a code injection vulnerability in the MVG decoder when a PostScript renderer is used. Attackers can supply a crafted MVG file that, when decoded, injects code into the PostScript rendering path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2026
The identified security flaw resides within the Magick Vector Graphics (MVG) decoder of ImageMagick versions prior to 6.9.13-57 and 7.x prior to 7.1.2-32, specifically affecting configurations where a PostScript renderer is employed as the output backend. This vulnerability represents a critical failure in input validation and sanitization mechanisms during the parsing phase of MVG files. When an attacker supplies a maliciously crafted MVG file containing specially constructed commands or parameters, the decoder fails to properly isolate user-supplied data from executable code paths within the PostScript rendering engine. Consequently, this allows for arbitrary command injection, enabling remote attackers to execute system-level commands with the privileges of the process running ImageMagick. This type of flaw is fundamentally rooted in improper neutralization of special elements used by an operating system or application (CWE-78), often exacerbated by insufficient validation of input data before processing (CWE-20).
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly for applications that rely on ImageMagick to process user-uploaded images or vector graphics. Since the MVG format allows for complex graphical instructions, an attacker can embed malicious payloads within seemingly benign image files. Upon decoding and rendering with a PostScript backend, these payloads are interpreted as executable code rather than graphic primitives. This capability transforms a standard image processing library into a potential remote code execution (RCE) vector. In web environments or automated pipelines where ImageMagick is invoked to convert or manipulate images provided by untrusted sources, this vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise. The attacker gains the ability to read sensitive files, install backdoors, pivot within the network, and exfiltrate data, effectively bypassing traditional perimeter defenses that do not inspect internal application logic for injection flaws.
From a threat intelligence perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically regarding command execution via system utilities or interpreters embedded within the application stack. It also reflects patterns associated with CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command (OS Command Injection). The exploitation requires the victim to process a specific file type using a vulnerable version of ImageMagick configured for PostScript output, which may limit its widespread automated exploitability but increases severity when triggered. Attackers can craft MVG files that appear as standard graphics but contain hidden command sequences designed to trigger shell metacharacters or escape codes recognized by the underlying PostScript interpreter.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate software updates and architectural changes to reduce exposure. The primary remediation is upgrading ImageMagick to version 6.9.13-57 or later, or version 7.1.2-32 for the major branch, as these releases include patches that enforce stricter parsing rules and sanitize input data before it reaches the PostScript renderer. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, administrators should disable the MVG delegate if it is not strictly required by their workflow. Additionally, implementing strict file type validation at the application layer to reject any non-standard or unexpected image formats can prevent malicious payloads from reaching the vulnerable decoder. Deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules capable of detecting command injection patterns in uploaded files may provide an additional layer of defense, though this is not a substitute for patching. Regular security audits and static code analysis focused on input handling in graphics processing libraries are recommended to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in production environments.