ImageMagick HTTP/FTP Coders Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) Vulnerability (CVE-2016-3718)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTImageMagick versions before 6.9.3-10 and 7.x before 7.0.1-1
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to conduct Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks, scanning internal networks and accessing restricted local services
Upgrade ImageMagick to the latest patched version or disable HTTP/FTP coders via the policy.xml configuration file
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Update ImageMagick to the latest secure version using your system package manager.
# For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade -y imagemagick
# For RedHat/CentOS-based systems
sudo yum update -y ImageMagick2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If upgrading immediately is not feasible, mitigate the risk by disabling the vulnerable HTTP and FTP coders in the policy.xml configuration file.
<!-- Add the following rules inside the <policymap> section of /etc/ImageMagick/policy.xml -->
<policymap>
<policy domain='coder' rights='none' pattern='HTTP' />
<policy domain='coder' rights='none' pattern='HTTPS' />
<policy domain='coder' rights='none' pattern='FTP' />
</policymap>3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the installed ImageMagick version and ensure that the mitigation policies are correctly applied.
# Check the current ImageMagick version
convert -version | grep -E 'ImageMagick [0-9]'
# Verify if HTTP/FTP coders are restricted in the active policy
convert -list policy | grep -E -i 'HTTP|FTP'Block Exploits Instantly with Managed Virtual Patching Rules
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Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability arises due to insufficient input validation within the HTTP and FTP input coders of ImageMagick when handling external resources. ImageMagick allows fetching remote images via URLs during image processing. If an attacker supplies a crafted image containing malicious URLs pointing to internal network addresses or local loopback interfaces, the server processes the request without proper validation, leading to Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF, CWE-918).
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker targets web applications that allow user-supplied image uploads. By embedding a URL such as 'http://127.0.0.1:8080/internal-api' or 'ftp://10.0.0.1/data' inside the image metadata or reference paths, the attacker tricks the ImageMagick library into initiating outbound network requests to these restricted destinations during image parsing. This bypasses perimeter firewalls and exposes internal services.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
As a vulnerability listed in the CISA KEV catalog, this flaw has been actively exploited in the wild. Successful exploitation allows attackers to map internal network topologies, access sensitive internal endpoints, and potentially pivot to execute further attacks, posing a severe threat to corporate data confidentiality and infrastructure security.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
The (1) HTTP and (2) FTP coders in ImageMagick before 6.9.3-10 and 7.x before 7.0.1-1 allow remote attackers to conduct server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks via a crafted image.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2016-3718)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2016-3718 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2016-3718 is rated CVSS 5.5 (MEDIUM) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 75.6%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2016-3718?
Primary impacted vendors include imagemagick across imagemagick. Scope summary: ImageMagick versions before 6.9.3-10 and 7.x before 7.0.1-1
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2016-3718 before patching?
[Mitigation] Upgrade ImageMagick to the latest patched version or disable HTTP/FTP coders via the policy.xml configuration file Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2016-3718
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