CVE-2026-56374 in ImageMagick
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2026
ImageMagick before 7.1.2-19 contains a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the FTXT encoder due to missing boundary checks when parsing ftxt:format. Remote attackers can trigger an out of bounds read by crafting malicious FTXT image files to cause denial of service or information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2026
The vulnerability under examination involves ImageMagick versions prior to 7.1.2-19 and specifically targets the FTXT encoder component. This represents a critical heap buffer overflow condition that arises from inadequate boundary validation mechanisms within the parsing logic for ftxt:format parameters. The flaw exists in the software's handling of formatted text input, where the application fails to properly validate array bounds before processing user-supplied data structures.
This vulnerability manifests when the FTXT encoder processes maliciously crafted image files containing specially constructed ftxt:format directives. The missing boundary checks allow attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully designed input sequences that exceed allocated buffer dimensions. The technical implementation involves the application's failure to verify input length constraints before performing memory operations, creating opportunities for unauthorized memory access patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential information disclosure scenarios. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by delivering malicious FTXT image files that trigger out-of-bounds read operations during the parsing phase. These attacks can lead to system instability, application crashes, and in some cases may expose sensitive memory contents to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous in networked environments where users might encounter crafted images through web applications or file sharing platforms.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 which addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution. The flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or information gathering activities. Organizations utilizing ImageMagick for image processing tasks must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability across their digital infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment to ImageMagick versions 7.1.2-19 or later, which contain the necessary boundary check implementations. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at network boundaries and application layers can provide defense-in-depth protection. System administrators should also consider restricting file type processing capabilities for untrusted users and establishing monitoring protocols to detect anomalous image processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and implementing robust memory safety practices in multimedia processing applications.