CVE-2009-0733 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in the ReadSetOfCurves function in LittleCMS (aka lcms or liblcms) before 1.18beta2, as used in Firefox 3.1beta, OpenJDK, and GIMP, allow context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted image file associated with a large integer value for the (1) input or (2) output channel, related to the ReadLUT_A2B and ReadLUT_B2A functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0733 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the LittleCMS color management library, which serves as a foundational component for color handling across numerous software applications. This flaw exists within the ReadSetOfCurves function of LittleCMS versions prior to 1.18beta2, making it particularly dangerous as it affects widely deployed software including Firefox 3.1beta, OpenJDK, and GIMP. The vulnerability specifically targets the ReadLUT_A2B and ReadLUT_B2A functions, which are responsible for processing color lookup tables in image files, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through crafted image files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the color management processing pipeline. Attackers can exploit this flaw by creating specially crafted image files containing large integer values for input or output channel parameters, which causes the ReadSetOfCurves function to write beyond allocated stack memory boundaries. This stack overflow occurs because the function does not adequately validate the size parameters before using them to allocate or access memory buffers, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory with malicious data. The vulnerability is context-dependent, meaning successful exploitation requires specific conditions related to how the vulnerable library is invoked within target applications, typically through image file processing operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-0733 extends across multiple software ecosystems due to LittleCMS's widespread adoption as a color management standard. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable remote code execution with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector involves delivering a malicious image file to a victim, which when processed by vulnerable software triggers the buffer overflow and allows arbitrary code execution. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in web browser environments where users may unknowingly encounter malicious image files, and in applications that automatically process image files from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected LittleCMS versions to 1.18beta2 or later, which includes proper input validation and memory boundary checks. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted image files and consider deploying sandboxing techniques for image processing operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through compromised applications. System administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts and ensure all applications using LittleCMS are updated to versions that address this specific buffer overflow condition in the color management processing pipeline.