CVE-2026-30936 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE • 03/10/2026
ImageMagick is free and open-source software used for editing and manipulating digital images. Prior to versions 7.1.2-16 and 6.9.13-41, a crafted image could cause an out of bounds heap write inside the WaveletDenoiseImage method. When processing a crafted image with the -wavelet-denoise operation an out of bounds write can occur. This vulnerability is fixed in 7.1.2-16 and 6.9.13-41.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
ImageMagick represents a widely deployed image processing library that serves as a critical component in numerous applications ranging from web servers to content management systems and digital asset management platforms. The software's extensive functionality includes support for over 200 image formats and provides powerful image manipulation capabilities through command-line interfaces and programming APIs. Its prevalence across diverse computing environments makes vulnerabilities within this software particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective, as exploitation could potentially affect thousands of systems. The library's role in processing user-uploaded content in web applications creates a prime attack surface for adversaries seeking to compromise systems through image-based attacks.
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2026-30936 manifests as an out-of-bounds heap write condition within the WaveletDenoiseImage method, which operates under the -wavelet-denoise image processing operation. This flaw occurs when ImageMagick processes a specially crafted image file that contains malformed data structures within its wavelet denoising algorithm implementation. The out-of-bounds write vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during memory allocation and data processing within the wavelet denoising component. Specifically, the software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries when handling wavelet coefficients during the denoising process, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory region. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, which represents a critical class of memory safety issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple image processing failures, as it creates potential for remote code execution when ImageMagick processes maliciously crafted images. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by uploading or providing crafted image files that trigger the vulnerable WaveletDenoiseImage method during image processing operations. When the software encounters the malformed image data, the out-of-bounds write can corrupt adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program structures such as function pointers, return addresses, or other control data. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the ImageMagick process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications where user-uploaded images are processed server-side, as it allows for server-side code execution without requiring authentication or specialized privileges. The exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries can leverage the image processing functionality to establish persistent access through malicious image files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-30936 require immediate patching of affected ImageMagick installations to versions 7.1.2-16 or 6.9.13-41, which contain the necessary fixes for the out-of-bounds write condition. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management procedures to ensure all ImageMagick installations are updated promptly, particularly in environments where user-uploaded content is processed. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation and sanitization protocols for image uploads, restricting the use of wavelet denoising operations in production environments, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Security configurations should disable unnecessary image processing features and implement proper input validation to prevent malformed image files from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques or containerization for image processing operations to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper bounds checking and memory validation within the WaveletDenoiseImage method, preventing the out-of-bounds write condition that previously allowed memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.