CVE-2005-1046 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the kimgio library for KDE 3.4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PCX image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1046 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the kimgio library component of KDE version 3.4.0. This library serves as a crucial image handling module within the KDE desktop environment, responsible for processing various graphic file formats including the PCX image format. The buffer overflow occurs when the kimgio library attempts to parse and process maliciously crafted PCX image files, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the kimgio library's PCX image parser. When processing a specially constructed PCX file, the library fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or validate the size parameters of image data structures, leading to a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition. This flaw allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and control data, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application process. The vulnerability specifically affects the KDE desktop environment and its associated image handling components, making it particularly dangerous in environments where KDE is extensively used for desktop computing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for complete system compromise. Remote exploitation requires only the delivery of a malicious PCX image file to a victim's system, making this attack vector particularly dangerous in web-based environments where users may unknowingly download and open such files. The vulnerability affects systems running KDE 3.4.0 and potentially earlier versions, creating a widespread attack surface across numerous desktop environments and enterprise computing platforms. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how image processing libraries can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1046 primarily focus on immediate system updates and patch management to address the underlying buffer overflow in the kimgio library. Organizations should prioritize updating their KDE installations to versions that include the patched kimgio library components, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as file type filtering and content scanning can help prevent malicious PCX files from reaching end-user systems. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary image format support and implementing strict file validation policies for image processing applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution through software exploitation and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams managing desktop computing environments. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in image processing libraries and demonstrates how seemingly benign file format handling can become a critical security risk when proper input validation is omitted.