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CVE-2023-47994: High Vulnerability in Freeimage

CVE-2023-47994 is a high-severity integer overflow vulnerability in Freeimage 3.18.0 that may allow attackers to access sensitive information or execute arbitrary code. Immediate remediation is critical to mitigate risks.

HIGHCVSS 8.8 · Published January 9, 2024

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CVE-2023-47994 represents a high-severity integer overflow vulnerability located in the LoadPixelDataRLE4 function within PluginBMP.cpp of Freeimage version 3.18.0. This vulnerability allows attackers to obtain sensitive information, potentially leading to denial of service or execution of arbitrary code. Given its CVSS score of 8.8, organizations must prioritize remediation efforts to mitigate associated risks.

The vulnerability was published on January 9, 2024, and is classified under CWE-190. This vulnerability carries significant implications for organizations that utilize Freeimage, particularly in terms of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The potential for exploitation emphasizes the urgency for organizations to remediate this issue promptly.

Currently, there are no known exploits associated with this vulnerability, but the attack vector being network-based, combined with low attack complexity, increases the likelihood of successful exploitation if left unaddressed. Therefore, organizations utilizing Freeimage must assess their exposure and take necessary actions to mitigate risks.

Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to shield against the potential impacts of this vulnerability. The combination of its high severity and the nature of its exploitation risk signifies an urgent call to action.

Vulnerability Details

The official CVE description states, 'An integer overflow vulnerability in LoadPixelDataRLE4 function in PluginBMP.cpp in Freeimage 3.18.0 allows attackers to obtain sensitive information, cause a denial of service and/or run arbitrary code.' This vulnerability, categorized as CWE-190, is a critical issue due to the high CVSS score of 8.8, indicating a significant threat level.

The affected product is Freeimage, specifically version 3.18.0, with the vulnerability disclosed on January 9, 2024. Organizations using this version are at risk and must take immediate action.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2023-47994 is an integer overflow that occurs in the LoadPixelDataRLE4 function, which can lead to unexpected behavior in the application. The attack vector is network-based, allowing exploitation through crafted inputs sent to the affected component.

The attack complexity is low, meaning that the attacker does not require sophisticated skills to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, no privileges are required to execute the attack, though user interaction is necessary, making it more accessible for exploitation.

In terms of impacts, the vulnerability has a high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. A successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifications to data integrity, and disruption of availability, rendering systems inoperable.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The real-world deployment of Freeimage in applications that handle sensitive data presents significant risks associated with CVE-2023-47994. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access, leading to potential data breaches and service disruptions.

The blast radius for this vulnerability is considerable, as it affects a widely used image processing library. Organizations should be aware that failure to address this vulnerability could result in severe consequences, including reputational damage and regulatory penalties.

The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is underscored by its high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation. As this vulnerability is not present in the KEV catalog, it may not be on the immediate radar for many organizations, but the risks it presents necessitate prompt action to mitigate exposure.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The specific version affected by CVE-2023-47994 is Freeimage version 3.18.0. Organizations using this version are strongly advised to implement patches as soon as they become available to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. If version information is missing, organizations should consider all versions prior to the vendor patch as affected.

Mitigation & Remediation

To remediate CVE-2023-47994, organizations should prioritize obtaining the latest patches for Freeimage. Regular updates are essential for maintaining security.

In cases where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should implement configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure. Employing monitoring recommendations can also help detect any potential exploitation attempts.

For further insights on effective security practices, organizations can refer to resources on penetration testing and other security assessments.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for indicators related to unauthorized access attempts, especially those targeting image processing functionalities. Behavioral anomalies associated with the use of Freeimage should also be documented and analyzed.

Network signatures that correspond to the exploitation patterns of CVE-2023-47994 should be established, and any system changes related to Freeimage should be closely observed to detect potential attacks.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2023-47994 is indicative of ongoing security challenges within image processing libraries. As such vulnerabilities can lead to significant breaches, it is critical for security teams to remain vigilant and proactive in their response strategies.

To understand the broader implications, organizations should engage in discussions around penetration testing methodologies and how these can be leveraged to uncover similar vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, the importance of a robust vulnerability management program cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in identifying and mitigating risks before they can be exploited.

Lastly, organizations should consider the insights gained from incidents to inform their future security strategies through security best practices to strengthen their defenses against evolving threats.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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