CVE-2006-3404 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the xcf_load_vector function in app/xcf/xcf-load.c for gimp before 2.2.12 allows user-assisted attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via an XCF file with a large num_axes value in the VECTORS property.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3404 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the GNU Image Manipulation Program gimp version 2.2.11 and earlier. This flaw exists in the xcf_load_vector function located in the app/xcf/xcf-load.c source file, specifically when processing XCF (eXperimental Computing Facility) image files. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious XCF file containing an excessive num_axes value within the VECTORS property, creating a scenario where the application fails to properly validate input parameters before attempting to allocate memory for vector data structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the vector loading mechanism. When gimp processes the malicious XCF file, the xcf_load_vector function attempts to read the num_axes value from the VECTORS property without sufficient validation of its magnitude. This parameter directly influences the amount of memory allocated for vector data structures, and when an attacker provides an unusually large value, the application's memory allocation routines become overwhelmed, leading to buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability operates under CWE-121, which classifies buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially corrupting adjacent memory regions and causing unpredictable behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities. While the primary effect manifests as application crashes and system instability, the buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents in ways that could allow code injection. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by enticing victims to open specially crafted XCF files through the gimp application, making it a user-assisted attack vector that requires social engineering but not direct system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3404 primarily focus on immediate software updates and input validation improvements. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to gimp version 2.2.12 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking implementation. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file format validation, enabling sandboxing mechanisms for image processing applications, and establishing content filtering systems that can detect and block suspicious XCF files. Network security controls should also be configured to restrict access to potentially malicious file types and implement automated scanning for known vulnerable file formats. The fix implemented in gimp 2.2.12 demonstrates proper defensive programming practices by incorporating input validation that limits the maximum allowable num_axes value and ensures that memory allocation requests remain within reasonable bounds, preventing the overflow conditions that enabled the attack vector.