CVE-2006-4807 in imlib2
Summary
by MITRE
loader_tga.c in imlib2 before 1.2.1, and possibly other versions, allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted TGA image that triggers an out-of-bounds memory read, a different issue than CVE-2006-4808.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4807 affects the imlib2 library's loader_tga.c component, specifically targeting versions prior to 1.2.1. This issue represents a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited through maliciously crafted TGA image files. The flaw occurs when the library processes TGA image headers and fails to properly validate the image dimensions and data structure parameters. When a specially constructed TGA file is loaded, the imlib2 library attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior and ultimately resulting in application crashes. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely through user-assisted attack vectors, where an attacker convinces a victim to open a malicious TGA file through various means such as email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the TGA image loader's parsing logic. When processing TGA image headers, the loader reads fields that define image width and height without proper bounds checking against the actual file size or allocated memory regions. This allows an attacker to craft TGA files with malformed header values that reference memory locations outside the intended data buffer. The out-of-bounds memory read typically occurs when the library attempts to access pixel data or metadata structures using calculated offsets that exceed the valid memory range. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations, and also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of input validation weaknesses in image processing libraries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be leveraged in broader attack chains within applications that utilize imlib2 for image processing. Systems that rely on imlib2 for handling user-uploaded images, such as web applications, content management systems, or image editing tools, become vulnerable to crashes that could disrupt service availability. The remote aspect of the attack means that exploitation does not require direct system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or download content. Attackers can potentially cause cascading failures in applications that do not properly handle crashes or exceptions from image processing libraries, leading to extended service degradation or complete application unavailability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4807 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of the imlib2 library, specifically version 1.2.1 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected applications and services that depend on imlib2, particularly those handling untrusted image content. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file format validation, using sandboxed execution environments for image processing, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious file upload patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of vulnerable library versions and ensure that all image processing components are regularly updated. The fix typically involves adding proper boundary checks in the loader_tga.c file to validate header fields against the actual file size before attempting any memory access operations, thereby preventing the out-of-bounds read condition that leads to the crash.