CVE-2017-11446 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-11446, an infinite loop vulnerability in ImageMagick 7.0.6-1 that can exhaust CPU resources. Find out how to mitigate this issue and prevent potential DoS attacks.
An infinite loop vulnerability in the ReadPESImage function of ImageMagick 7.0.6-1 can lead to CPU exhaustion when processing a specially crafted PES file.
Understanding CVE-2017-11446
What is CVE-2017-11446?
The vulnerability identified in the ReadPESImage function of ImageMagick 7.0.6-1 allows for an infinite loop, which can be triggered by a maliciously crafted PES file, resulting in CPU exhaustion.
The Impact of CVE-2017-11446
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to denial of service (DoS) attacks by consuming excessive CPU resources, potentially disrupting system operations.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-11446
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in the ReadPESImage function within coders\pes.c in ImageMagick 7.0.6-1, allowing an attacker to cause CPU exhaustion through a specially crafted PES file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: ImageMagick
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions: 7.0.6-1
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker who crafts a malicious PES file to trigger an infinite loop in the ReadPESImage function, leading to CPU exhaustion.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by ImageMagick promptly.
- Implement file upload restrictions to prevent the upload of potentially malicious PES files.
- Monitor system resources for unusual CPU consumption.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that ImageMagick is updated to a secure version that addresses the infinite loop vulnerability in the ReadPESImage function.