CVE-2005-3186 in GTK+
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the GTK+ gdk-pixbuf XPM image rendering library in GTK+ 2.4.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via an XPM file with a number of colors that causes insufficient memory to be allocated, which leads to a heap-based buffer overflow.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3186 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the gdk-pixbuf library component of GTK+ version 2.4.0. This library serves as a fundamental image processing module for graphical user interface applications, particularly those utilizing the XPM image format. The flaw occurs during the parsing and rendering of XPM files, where the library fails to properly validate color count parameters, leading to a scenario where maliciously crafted XPM files can trigger unexpected memory allocation behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper integer arithmetic handling within the XPM parser. When processing an XPM file, the library reads the number of colors specified in the file header and uses this value to calculate memory allocation requirements. However, due to integer overflow conditions, a small input value can result in a much smaller allocated memory block than actually required for the image data. This miscalculation creates a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to potentially gain arbitrary code execution privileges on systems running affected GTK+ versions. The heap-based buffer overflow allows for memory corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that depend on GTK+ for their graphical interfaces, including desktop environments, office suites, and various multimedia applications.
Security researchers categorize this vulnerability under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows. The exploitability of this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, where adversaries leverage code execution vulnerabilities to run malicious payloads. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign image processing libraries can become attack vectors when proper input validation and memory management practices are not implemented. Organizations using affected GTK+ versions should immediately apply patches and updates to mitigate this risk, as the integer overflow can be triggered through simple file manipulation without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious XPM file.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of robust input validation in image processing libraries, particularly those handling formats that can contain embedded metadata. The flaw underscores the need for memory-safe programming practices and comprehensive testing of boundary conditions in graphical libraries that process user-supplied content. System administrators should also consider implementing file type restrictions and sandboxing measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in production environments.