CVE-2005-1219 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Microsoft Color Management Module for Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an image with crafted ICC profile format tags.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1219 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Microsoft's Color Management Module for Windows operating systems. This security weakness specifically affects how the system processes image files containing specially crafted ICC profile format tags, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability exists in the color management subsystem that handles device color profiles and image color rendering, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through routine image processing activities.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the Microsoft Color Management Module parses ICC profile data without adequate bounds checking on the format tags within the profile structure. When an attacker constructs an image file with maliciously formatted ICC profile tags that exceed the allocated buffer space, the module fails to properly validate input boundaries, leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption can overwrite critical program execution data, including return addresses and function pointers, allowing attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking enables attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and network file transfers. Attackers can craft malicious image files that appear legitimate to end users while containing the malicious ICC profile data that triggers the buffer overflow during normal image processing operations. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently handle image files from untrusted sources, potentially leading to complete system compromise, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor access. The exploitability of this vulnerability is further enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious image file, making it an ideal candidate for automated exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1219 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures to reduce attack surface exposure. Microsoft released security updates that address the buffer overflow by implementing proper bounds checking and input validation within the Color Management Module. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected Windows systems, particularly those running vulnerable versions of Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file validation policies that scan image files for suspicious ICC profile structures, disabling automatic image preview features that might trigger color management processing, and employing network segmentation to limit exposure. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1203 for exploitation for persistence, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity teams implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures.