CVE-2018-5248 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-5248, a vulnerability in ImageMagick 7.0.7-17 Q16 allowing a heap-based buffer over-read in the ReadSIXELImage function, potentially leading to information exposure or denial of service. Find out how to mitigate and prevent this issue.
ImageMagick 7.0.7-17 Q16 has a heap-based buffer over-read issue in the ReadSIXELImage function, impacting the sixel_decode function.
Understanding CVE-2018-5248
What is CVE-2018-5248?
CVE-2018-5248 is a vulnerability in ImageMagick 7.0.7-17 Q16 that allows a heap-based buffer over-read in the coders/sixel.c file, specifically in the ReadSIXELImage function related to sixel_decode.
The Impact of CVE-2018-5248
This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to read beyond the allocated memory, potentially leading to information exposure or a denial of service.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-5248
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from a heap-based buffer over-read in the ReadSIXELImage function within coders/sixel.c, associated with the sixel_decode function in ImageMagick 7.0.7-17 Q16.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: ImageMagick
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions: 7.0.7-17 Q16
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious image file that triggers the heap-based buffer over-read when processed by ImageMagick.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches or updates provided by ImageMagick to address the vulnerability.
- Consider implementing proper input validation mechanisms to prevent malformed image files from being processed.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Monitor security advisories from vendors and security communities for emerging threats.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that ImageMagick is updated to a secure version that includes fixes for the heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability.