CVE-2017-11641 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26 is affected by a Memory Leak vulnerability in the PersistCache function, leading to issues when writing Magick Persistent Cache (MPC) files.

Understanding CVE-2017-11641

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26 that can result in a Memory Leak due to the way the PersistCache function handles writing of MPC files.

What is CVE-2017-11641?

The vulnerability in GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26 allows for a Memory Leak to occur during the writing of Magick Persistent Cache (MPC) files, impacting the overall system stability and performance.

The Impact of CVE-2017-11641

The presence of this vulnerability can lead to memory leaks, potentially causing system instability, performance degradation, and in severe cases, denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-11641

GraphicsMagick version 1.3.26 is susceptible to a Memory Leak in the PersistCache function, specifically in the file magick/pixel_cache.c, during the writing process of Magick Persistent Cache (MPC) files.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling in the PersistCache function, which results in memory leaks when writing MPC files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: GraphicsMagick 1.3.26

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting malicious MPC files to trigger the memory leak, potentially leading to system instability and denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-11641 and enhance system security:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GraphicsMagick to a non-vulnerable version.
Monitor system resources for any signs of memory leaks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent memory leaks.
Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by GraphicsMagick to fix the Memory Leak vulnerability.