CVE-2004-1026 in imlib
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the image handler for imlib 1.9.14 and earlier, which is used by gkrellm and several window managers, allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and execute arbitrary code via certain image files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1026 represents a critical security flaw affecting imlib version 1.9.14 and earlier, which serves as a fundamental image handling library for numerous desktop applications including gkrellm and various window managers. This issue stems from improper input validation within the image processing routines that fail to adequately check integer values during image parsing operations. The flaw manifests as multiple integer overflows that occur when the library processes specially crafted image files containing malformed data structures. These overflows create conditions where arithmetic operations exceed the maximum representable values for integer variables, leading to unpredictable behavior in the affected applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of image file headers and data structures that imlib uses to parse and render graphics. When processing maliciously constructed image files, the library's integer variables responsible for tracking image dimensions, buffer sizes, and memory allocation parameters can overflow, causing memory corruption that results in application crashes or potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the image handler component of imlib, which is widely integrated into desktop environments and monitoring tools, amplifying its potential impact across multiple system components. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specially formatted image files that trigger the overflow conditions when loaded by any application utilizing the vulnerable imlib library.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1026 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized system access. Applications that rely on imlib for image processing, including desktop monitoring tools like gkrellm and various window managers, become vulnerable to exploitation when they process untrusted image content. This vulnerability particularly affects desktop environments where users might unknowingly open malicious image files from untrusted sources, creating attack vectors through social engineering or automated exploitation. The integer overflow conditions can be triggered through legitimate image file processing operations, making detection difficult and exploitation straightforward for attackers with knowledge of the specific image format structures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of security patches provided by the imlib maintainers and system administrators. The recommended approach involves updating to imlib version 1.9.15 or later, which includes fixed integer overflow protections and improved input validation mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected applications that utilize imlib, particularly those running in desktop environments or serving as monitoring tools. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file validation policies for image processing applications, configuring application sandboxing to limit potential exploitation impacts, and monitoring for unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, as the integer overflow conditions create predictable patterns in memory corruption that can be detected through behavioral analysis.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack pattern associated with CVE-2004-1026 follows typical ATT&CK tactics for privilege escalation and remote code execution through software exploitation, targeting the application layer and leveraging memory corruption vulnerabilities. The widespread adoption of imlib across desktop environments and monitoring tools makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous from a threat perspective, as it can affect multiple system components simultaneously. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications utilizing the vulnerable imlib library and ensure complete remediation across their infrastructure.