CVE-2026-56362 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2026
ImageMagick before 7.1.2-15 contains a heap-buffer-overflow read vulnerability in GetPixelIndex caused by OpenPixelCache updating image channel metadata before pixel cache memory allocation. Attackers can trigger memory and disk allocation failures to cause a heap-buffer-overflow read affecting any writer calling GetPixelIndex.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2026
The vulnerability in ImageMagick versions prior to 7.1.2-15 represents a critical heap-buffer-overflow read flaw categorized under CWE-125, which falls within the broader category of memory safety issues affecting heap-based data structures. This vulnerability specifically manifests in the GetPixelIndex function where the OpenPixelCache mechanism performs an improper sequence of operations that creates a window for malicious exploitation. The root cause stems from the premature update of image channel metadata before the actual pixel cache memory allocation occurs, establishing a race condition that allows attackers to manipulate the system's memory management process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the order dependency in memory allocation and metadata updating processes within ImageMagick's internal architecture. When processing image files through writers that invoke GetPixelIndex, the system attempts to read from memory locations that have not yet been properly allocated or initialized, resulting in a heap-buffer-overflow read condition that can be triggered by carefully crafted input data. This flaw operates at the intersection of memory management and image processing operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various image file formats that utilize ImageMagick's pixel handling capabilities.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems that rely on ImageMagick for image processing tasks, particularly in web applications, content management systems, and automated image handling workflows. The heap-buffer-overflow read can lead to information disclosure, application instability, or potentially remote code execution depending on the specific attack vector and system configuration. Attackers can leverage this flaw by providing maliciously crafted image files that trigger the problematic code path during pixel index retrieval operations, making it a particularly insidious vulnerability given its potential for exploitation through common file upload mechanisms.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate patching to ImageMagick version 7.1.2-15 or later, which implements proper synchronization between metadata updates and memory allocation processes. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as input validation and sanitization for all image file processing operations, along with monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems that process untrusted image data, while following ATT&CK framework guidance for mitigating heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities through proper memory management practices. The fix addresses the fundamental race condition by ensuring that pixel cache memory allocation occurs before metadata updates, preventing the premature access to uninitialized memory regions that previously enabled the heap-buffer-overflow read condition.