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CVE-2024-28562: Medium Vulnerability in FreeImage

A medium-severity buffer overflow vulnerability in FreeImage v3.19.0 allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code. Immediate remediation is necessary to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.

MEDIUMCVSS 6.8 · Published March 20, 2024

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CVE-2024-28562 is a buffer overflow vulnerability affecting FreeImage version 3.19.0. This vulnerability allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code through the Imf_2_2::copyIntoFrameBuffer() component when processing images in EXR format. With a CVSS score of 6.8, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity, warranting prompt attention from organizations using this software.

Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized code execution, which could lead to data compromise or service disruption. The vulnerability primarily affects local users, making it crucial for organizations to understand their internal threat landscape. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this risk.

As of now, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability. However, its potential for exploitation remains a concern, and organizations should remain vigilant about applying any available patches or updates.

Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should schedule remediation as part of their priority patch cycle. Continuous monitoring for any related updates or advisories is recommended to maintain security posture.

Vulnerability Details

The official description of CVE-2024-28562 indicates a buffer overflow vulnerability in open source FreeImage version 3.19.0, specifically in the Imf_2_2::copyIntoFrameBuffer() component. The CVSS version 3.1 score is 6.8, reflecting medium severity due to its potential for high integrity impact and low confidentiality impact.

The affected product is FreeImage from the freeimage_project. The vulnerability was published on March 20, 2024, and is categorized under CWE-787, indicating an issue related to improper control of a resource through its lifetime.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory resources, which can lead to a buffer overflow. This occurs when a local attacker provides specially crafted images in EXR format, leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is local, and the complexity is low, requiring no special privileges or user interaction, making it easier to exploit.

The confidentiality impact is low, while the integrity impact is high due to the potential for arbitrary code execution, which could compromise system integrity. Availability is not impacted, as the exploit does not disrupt service availability.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The deployment of FreeImage in local environments poses a significant risk, especially in scenarios where users may inadvertently interact with malicious EXR files. The blast radius of this vulnerability can extend to any system using FreeImage for image processing, leading to unauthorized access or control over affected systems.

Organizations should assess the urgency of addressing this vulnerability based on their deployment and usage patterns of FreeImage. The CVSS score of 6.8 indicates that this should be addressed in priority patch cycles to prevent exploitation.

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

The only affected version confirmed is FreeImage version 3.19.0. Organizations running this version should ensure they apply the necessary patches as soon as they become available.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should monitor for updates from the freeimage_project and apply patches as they are released. In the absence of a patch, consider implementing workarounds or alternative image processing solutions to mitigate immediate risks. Configuration hardening should also be reviewed to limit exposure to potential exploits.

Continuous monitoring of systems using FreeImage and implementing strong network controls can help detect suspicious activities early. Organizations may also consider leveraging penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of their security measures.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual behavior that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Key indicators may include unexpected application crashes or unauthorized access attempts. Behavioral anomalies around image processing tasks should also be flagged for review.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

The significance of CVE-2024-28562 lies in its demonstration of the risks associated with buffer overflow vulnerabilities in widely used libraries. Security teams should be aware of the potential for similar vulnerabilities in other components and prioritize their review processes.

This case illustrates the necessity for robust security practices, including regular code audits and employing secure coding techniques to prevent such vulnerabilities. Organizations can benefit from staying informed about trends in vulnerability discovery and remediation.

For further insights, organizations may refer to penetration testing methodology and other security resources to enhance their defense mechanisms against potential threats.

Additionally, organizations can improve their security posture by reviewing best practices for vulnerability management programs to proactively identify and address security weaknesses.

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

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