CVE-2017-18211 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-18211, a vulnerability in ImageMagick 7.0.7 that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. Find out how to mitigate the risk and apply necessary security updates.
A vulnerability was discovered in ImageMagick 7.0.7, specifically in the function saveBinaryCLProgram located in the file magick/opencl.c. This vulnerability is caused by the absence of a check for a program-lookup result and is associated with CacheOpenCLKernel.
Understanding CVE-2017-18211
What is CVE-2017-18211?
In ImageMagick 7.0.7, a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability was found in the function saveBinaryCLProgram in magick/opencl.c because a program-lookup result is not checked, related to CacheOpenCLKernel.
The Impact of CVE-2017-18211
This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-18211
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in ImageMagick 7.0.7 due to a lack of validation in the saveBinaryCLProgram function, leading to a NULL pointer dereference.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: ImageMagick 7.0.7
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to trigger a NULL pointer dereference, potentially leading to a denial of service or arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the latest security updates provided by ImageMagick.
- Monitor official sources for patches and advisories.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement proper input validation and error checking in code to prevent similar issues.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that ImageMagick is updated to a version that includes a fix for the vulnerability.