CVE-2017-11523 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2017-11523 affecting ImageMagick versions 6.9.9-0 and 7.x through 7.0.6-1. Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this remote denial of service vulnerability.
ImageMagick versions 6.9.9-0 and 7.x through 7.0.6-1 are affected by a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to trigger an infinite loop, leading to a denial of service.
Understanding CVE-2017-11523
This CVE involves the ReadTXTImage function in the txt.c file of ImageMagick.
What is CVE-2017-11523?
The vulnerability in ImageMagick versions 6.9.9-0 and 7.x through 7.0.6-1 allows remote attackers to exploit a flaw in the ReadTXTImage function, causing an infinite loop and resulting in a denial of service. This occurs when processing a maliciously crafted file that the function fails to recognize the end-of-file condition.
The Impact of CVE-2017-11523
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service, affecting the availability of the ImageMagick software and potentially disrupting services relying on it.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-11523
ImageMagick versions 6.9.9-0 and 7.x through 7.0.6-1 are susceptible to the following technical details:
Vulnerability Description
The ReadTXTImage function in ImageMagick allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service through an infinite loop when processing a specially crafted file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- ImageMagick versions 6.9.9-0 and 7.x through 7.0.6-1
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by providing a maliciously crafted file that triggers the infinite loop in the ReadTXTImage function, leading to a denial of service.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-11523, consider the following mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update ImageMagick to a non-vulnerable version.
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the affected systems.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and apply security patches for ImageMagick.
- Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply the necessary security patches provided by ImageMagick to fix the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.