CVE-2018-20185 : What You Need to Know

GraphicsMagick 1.4 snapshot-20181209 Q8 on 32-bit platforms is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer over-read in the ReadBMPImage function of bmp.c. Attackers can exploit this to trigger a denial of service via a specially crafted bmp image file.

Understanding CVE-2018-20185

This CVE involves a specific vulnerability in GraphicsMagick that can lead to a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2018-20185?

The heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability in GraphicsMagick 1.4 snapshot-20181209 Q8 on 32-bit platforms allows attackers to exploit the ReadBMPImage function in bmp.c, potentially causing a denial of service by using a maliciously crafted bmp image file.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20185

This vulnerability affects GraphicsMagick installations with customized BMP limits, making them susceptible to denial of service attacks through specially crafted bmp image files.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20185

GraphicsMagick 1.4 snapshot-20181209 Q8 on 32-bit platforms is the specific version affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the ReadBMPImage function of bmp.c, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read that can be exploited by attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GraphicsMagick
Vendor: GraphicsMagick
Version: 1.4 snapshot-20181209 Q8

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using a specially crafted bmp image file to trigger a denial of service on affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-20185, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GraphicsMagick to a patched version.
Avoid opening bmp image files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that GraphicsMagick is regularly updated with the latest security patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.