CVE-2024-28582

Executive Summary

CVE-2024-28582 is a critical buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the open-source FreeImage library, version 3.19.0 (r1909). The flaw resides in the rgbe_RGBEToFloat() function, which is invoked during the processing of HDR (High Dynamic Range) image files. A local attacker can exploit this vulnerability to trigger a buffer overflow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is currently unpatched, and no official fix has been released by the vendor. This report provides a comprehensive technical analysis, detection strategies, and exploitation guidance for both Red and Blue Teams.

Supply Chain & Package Security

FreeImage is a widely used library for image format support in various applications, including those in the C/C++ ecosystem. It is not an NPM, PyPI, Go, or Ruby package, but it is often statically or dynamically linked into software. The lack of a patch poses a significant supply chain risk, as any application using the vulnerable version of FreeImage to process HDR images is susceptible to exploitation. Organizations should inventory their use of FreeImage and consider alternative libraries or mitigations until a patch is available.

CVSS Breakdown & Threat Level

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is currently listed as 0.0, which is likely a placeholder. Based on the nature of the vulnerability (buffer overflow leading to arbitrary code execution), a realistic CVSS v3.1 score would be in the range of 7.0–8.0 (High). The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring the attacker to have local access to the system. The complexity is low (AC:L), and no privileges are required (PR:N). User interaction is required (UI:R) as the victim must open a malicious HDR file. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H).

Deep Dive & Mechanics

The vulnerability is a classic buffer overflow in the rgbe_RGBEToFloat() function within FreeImage's HDR image processing code. The HDR format uses a Run-Length Encoding (RLE) scheme to store pixel data. The rgbe_RGBEToFloat() function is responsible for converting RGBE (Red, Green, Blue, Exponent) encoded data into floating-point values.

The flaw occurs because the function does not properly validate the size of the input buffer before writing the converted data. When processing a specially crafted HDR file, an attacker can cause the function to write beyond the allocated buffer, overwriting adjacent memory. This can corrupt critical data structures or control flow, potentially allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code.

The vulnerability is triggered during the parsing of the HDR file's pixel data. The function reads RGBE components and converts them to floating-point values, storing the results in an output buffer. If the input data contains a large number of pixels or malformed RLE data, the function may write more data than the buffer can hold, leading to a buffer overflow.

Vulnerable vs. Patched Code

Since no patch is available, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the vulnerable code likely resides in the Source/FreeImage/PluginHDR.cpp file. The vulnerable function rgbe_RGBEToFloat() does not perform bounds checking on the output buffer. A patched version would include a size parameter and check that the number of pixels being processed does not exceed the buffer capacity.

Vulnerable Code (Conceptual):

void rgbe_RGBEToFloat(const rgbe_header_info *info, const unsigned char *rgbe, float *image, int scanline_width) {
    // No bounds checking on image buffer
    for (int i = 0; i < scanline_width; i++) {
        // Convert RGBE to float and write to image buffer
        image[i * 3 + 0] = ...;
        image[i * 3 + 1] = ...;
        image[i * 3 + 2] = ...;
    }
}

Patched Code (Conceptual):

void rgbe_RGBEToFloat(const rgbe_header_info *info, const unsigned char *rgbe, float *image, int scanline_width, size_t image_size) {
    // Check that the buffer is large enough
    if (scanline_width * 3 * sizeof(float) > image_size) {
        // Handle error
        return;
    }
    for (int i = 0; i < scanline_width; i++) {
        // Convert RGBE to float and write to image buffer
        image[i * 3 + 0] = ...;
        image[i * 3 + 1] = ...;
        image[i * 3 + 2] = ...;
    }
}

Exploitation & Lab Setup

Red Team

Objective: Achieve arbitrary code execution by exploiting the buffer overflow in FreeImage when processing a malicious HDR file.

Lab Setup:

1. Target System: A Linux or Windows machine with FreeImage 3.19.0 (r1909) installed.
2. Tools: Python, a C compiler (e.g., GCC), and a debugger (e.g., GDB).
3. Exploit Development:
   • Create a malicious HDR file that triggers the overflow.
   • Use a fuzzer to identify the exact offset where the overflow occurs.
   • Craft a payload to overwrite the return address or a function pointer.
   • Execute the exploit by having the target open the malicious HDR file with an application that uses FreeImage.

Example Exploit Code (Conceptual):

import struct

def create_malicious_hdr(filename, payload):
    # HDR file header
    header = b"#?RADIANCE\nFORMAT=32-bit_rle_rgbe\n\n"
    # Resolution line
    resolution = b"-Y 1 +X 1000\n"
    # Crafted pixel data to trigger overflow
    # The payload should overwrite the return address
    pixel_data = b"A" * 1000  # Placeholder for overflow
    pixel_data += payload
    with open(filename, "wb") as f:
        f.write(header)
        f.write(resolution)
        f.write(pixel_data)

# Example payload (replace with actual shellcode)
payload = b"\x90" * 100 + b"\xcc" * 4  # NOP sled + INT3
create_malicious_hdr("exploit.hdr", payload)

Usage: The Red Team would deliver the exploit.hdr file to the target via phishing or other means. When the target opens the file with a vulnerable application, the exploit triggers, executing the attacker's code.

Blue Team

Objective: Detect and prevent exploitation of CVE-2024-28582.

Detection:

1. Monitor for HDR file processing: Alert on any application that uses FreeImage to process HDR files.
2. Memory corruption detection: Use tools like AddressSanitizer (ASan) during development to catch buffer overflows.
3. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitor for unusual process behavior, such as crashes or unexpected code execution.

Prevention:

1. Input validation: Implement strict validation of HDR file sizes and pixel counts before processing.
2. Sandboxing: Run applications that process HDR files in a sandboxed environment.
3. Alternative libraries: Consider using a different image processing library that is actively maintained.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

• File Hashes: Malicious HDR files with unusual sizes or patterns.
• Process Behavior: Crashes in applications using FreeImage when processing HDR files.
• Network Traffic: Outbound connections from a process that was processing HDR files (indicating successful code execution).
• Memory Artifacts: Evidence of heap or stack corruption in memory dumps.

Detection Engineering

YARA Rule

rule CVE_2024_28582_FreeImage_HDR_Overflow {
    meta:
        description = "Detects malicious HDR files targeting CVE-2024-28582"
        author = "Valters IT"
        date = "2024-01-01"
        reference = "CVE-2024-28582"
    strings:
        $hdr_header = "#?RADIANCE"
        $format_rle = "FORMAT=32-bit_rle_rgbe"
        $large_scanline = /-Y \d+ \+X \d{4,}/  // Scanline width >= 1000
    condition:
        $hdr_header at 0 and $format_rle and $large_scanline
}

Sigma Rule

title: CVE-2024-28582 FreeImage HDR Buffer Overflow
id: 12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789012
status: experimental
description: Detects potential exploitation of CVE-2024-28582 via HDR file processing
author: Valters IT
date: 2024/01/01
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\freeimage.dll'
        CommandLine|contains: '.hdr'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate HDR file processing
level: high

Suricata Rule

alert tcp any any -> any any (msg:"CVE-2024-28582 FreeImage HDR Buffer Overflow"; flow:to_client,established; file_store; content:"#?RADIANCE"; offset:0; depth:10; content:"FORMAT=32-bit_rle_rgbe"; within:100; pcre:"/-Y \d+ \+X \d{4,}/"; classtype:attempted-user; sid:1000001; rev:1;)

Remediation & Mitigation

Immediate Actions:

1. Disable HDR support: If possible, disable the processing of HDR files in applications using FreeImage.
2. Input validation: Implement strict validation of HDR file headers and pixel data before processing.
3. Monitor for exploits: Use the provided detection rules to identify potential exploitation attempts.

Long-term Solutions:

1. Patch: Await an official patch from the FreeImage project. Monitor the project's repository for updates.
2. Library replacement: Migrate to a more secure and actively maintained image processing library, such as libvips or ImageMagick.
3. Code audit: Conduct a thorough code audit of FreeImage to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities.

Workarounds:

• Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to block malicious HDR files.
• Implement application-level sandboxing to limit the impact of a successful exploit.

Valters IT Signature:
This report is provided for educational and defensive purposes only. Unauthorized exploitation of this vulnerability is illegal and unethical. Always obtain proper authorization before testing or exploiting any system.