CVE-2007-3126 in Gimp
Summary
by MITRE
Gimp 2.3.14 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via an ICO file with an InfoHeader containing a Height of zero, a similar issue to CVE-2007-2237.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3126 affects the GNU Image Manipulation Program version 2.3.14, representing a context-dependent denial of service flaw that can be triggered through manipulation of ICO file format structures. This issue specifically targets the handling of icon files during the parsing process, where the software fails to properly validate the InfoHeader structure within ICO containers. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-248, which covers exposure of exception information. The attack vector involves an attacker crafting an ICO file with a malformed InfoHeader containing a Height field set to zero, which causes the application to crash when attempting to process the file.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the image parsing routine responsible for handling Windows icon format files. When Gimp encounters an ICO file with a zero height value in its InfoHeader, the application attempts to perform operations that require valid dimensional parameters, leading to memory access violations or arithmetic exceptions. The flaw operates at the intersection of image format parsing and memory management, where the software does not properly check for edge cases or malformed data before proceeding with computational operations. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or cause system instability, and T1499, which covers network denial of service attacks through application-level exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it can be leveraged in various attack scenarios including social engineering campaigns or automated exploitation systems. An attacker could distribute malicious ICO files through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms, knowing that recipients using vulnerable versions of Gimp would experience application crashes upon opening these files. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2007-2237 indicates a pattern of flawed ICO format handling within the software, suggesting that multiple related issues may exist within the same codebase. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that rely on image processing software or for users who frequently handle untrusted image files.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3126 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Gimp where the ICO file parsing has been corrected to properly validate InfoHeader structures and reject malformed inputs. Organizations should implement file validation policies that scan for potentially malicious image files before processing, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted content. Network security controls such as content filtering and email scanning should be configured to block suspicious ICO files, while endpoint protection solutions should be updated to recognize and prevent execution of vulnerable software versions. Additionally, user education regarding safe file handling practices and the risks associated with opening untrusted image files remains crucial. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file format parsers against edge cases and malformed data conditions.