External risk intelligence

ImageMagick Server-Side Request Forgery Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2016-3718

A vulnerability in ImageMagick allows attackers to conduct server-side request forgery through specially crafted images. This can lead to unauthorized system access or data exposure, posing a business risk.

3Halo Surface Signal

Server-Side Request Forgery

Redhat Enterprise Linux Desktop

6.07.06.77.27.37.47.57.67.76.0_s390x7.0_s390x6.7_s390x7.2_s390x7.3_s390x7.4_s390x7.5_s390x7.6_s390x7.7_s390x6.0_ppc647.0_ppc646.7_ppc647.2_ppc647.3_ppc64...

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2016-3718

ImageMagick is a library often used by web applications to process user-supplied images. While it is not an internet-facing service itself, it is frequently integrated into web-facing applications where it may process untrusted content from the internet, making it plausibly reachable via those host applications in many common deployment scenarios.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

ImageMagick's HTTP and FTP coders contain a flaw that could allow attackers to conduct server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks. This occurs when a crafted image is processed by the affected component. The primary impact could involve unauthorized systems accessing external resources.

  • Vulnerable ImageMagick coders
  • Flaw enables server-side request forgery
  • Unauthorized external resource access

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker could exploit a vulnerability in ImageMagick to conduct server-side request forgery. This occurs when a specially crafted image file is processed by an application using the ImageMagick library. The attacker's action allows them to make the server issue requests on their behalf.

  • A crafted image is processed.
  • Attacker initiates a request.
  • Server makes an external request.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in ImageMagick could allow attackers to conduct server-side request forgery attacks by crafting a malicious image. The impact could involve unauthorized access to internal resources or data, depending on how the affected ImageMagick component is integrated within an organization's systems. While the exploit requires user interaction, its potential for broader system compromise warrants careful attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Unknown
  • Required access or conditions: User interaction needed
  • Business risk or urgency: Possible

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization should take immediate steps to address the server-side request forgery vulnerability affecting ImageMagick. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through specially crafted images, posing a significant risk to systems that process image files. The primary concern is the potential for unauthorized access and manipulation of internal resources.

  • Identify all systems using ImageMagick.
  • Isolate or restrict access to affected systems.
  • Update ImageMagick and verify remediation.

Frequently asked questions

What is ImageMagick and what is it used for?

ImageMagick is a software suite used for creating, editing, composing, and converting bitmap images. It supports a wide variety of image formats and is often employed by web applications to process images uploaded by users.

What type of vulnerability does CVE-2016-3718 describe?

CVE-2016-3718 describes a server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability. This means an attacker could trick the software into making unintended requests to internal or external resources.

How can an attacker trigger the vulnerability in ImageMagick?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability by providing a specially crafted image file to ImageMagick. The vulnerability exists within the HTTP and FTP coders of the software.

Who should be concerned about this CVE based on its exposure?

Organizations should be concerned if ImageMagick is used within applications that process untrusted image files from the internet. While ImageMagick itself is not directly internet-facing, its integration into web applications can make it indirectly accessible.

What is the first step for managing this vulnerability?

The primary step is to update ImageMagick to a version that addresses this vulnerability, specifically versions before 6.9.3-10 and 7.x before 7.0.1-1. Following vendor-provided guidance is crucial.

References