CVE-2021-3574 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability was found in ImageMagick-7.0.11-5, where executing a crafted file with the convert command, ASAN detects memory leaks.

Understanding CVE-2021-3574

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in ImageMagick software that can lead to memory leaks when processing a specially crafted file using the convert command.

What is CVE-2021-3574?

The CVE-2021-3574 vulnerability in ImageMagick-7.0.11-5 triggers memory leaks upon executing a malicious file through the convert command.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3574

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for exploitation by attackers to cause memory leaks, leading to potential system instability and unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3574

The technical details of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises in ImageMagick-7.0.11-5, where processing specific files with the convert command results in memory leaks detected by ASAN.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include ImageMagick versions up to ImageMagick-7.0.11-5. The vulnerability has been fixed in versions ImageMagick-7.0.11-8 and ImageMagick-6.9.12-8.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious file and tricking a user or system into processing it using the vulnerable convert command.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-3574, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ImageMagick to the patched versions (ImageMagick-7.0.11-8 or ImageMagick-6.9.12-8).
Avoid processing files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update ImageMagick to the latest versions to address security vulnerabilities.
Implement file input validation checks to prevent processing of potentially malicious files.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to ImageMagick to ensure timely patching of vulnerabilities.