CVE-2007-2356 in Gimp
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the set_color_table function in sunras.c in the SUNRAS plugin in Gimp 2.2.14 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RAS file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2356 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the SUNRAS plugin of GIMP version 2.2.14. This issue resides specifically in the set_color_table function located in the sunras.c source file, making it exploitable through maliciously crafted RAS image files. The vulnerability's severity stems from its ability to permit remote code execution when users open specially constructed RAS files, creating a significant security risk for anyone utilizing the affected software version.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs due to improper bounds checking within the set_color_table function. When processing color table data from RAS files, the function fails to validate the size of incoming data against the allocated buffer space, allowing attackers to write beyond the intended memory boundaries. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is amplified by the fact that it requires no special privileges beyond the ability to convince a user to open a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in user-assisted attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise potential. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain arbitrary code execution privileges within the context of the GIMP process, potentially allowing them to escalate privileges, install malware, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious RAS files through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous in widespread deployment scenarios. According to ATT&CK framework techniques, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial compromise can lead to further system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2356 require immediate software updates and patches from the GIMP development team, with users urged to upgrade to versions containing fixed implementations of the SUNRAS plugin. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies and consider disabling the SUNRAS plugin entirely if its functionality is not required for critical operations. Network-level defenses such as email filtering and web content filtering can help prevent the delivery of malicious RAS files to end users. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or components within their software ecosystems, as similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities may exist in other image processing libraries or plugins. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in preventing exploitable conditions within multimedia processing applications.