CVE-2010-2575 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the RLE decompression functionality in the TranscribePalmImageToJPEG function in generators/plucker/inplug/image.cpp in Okular in KDE SC 4.3.0 through 4.5.0 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted image in a PDB file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2575 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the Okular document viewer application within the KDE Software Compilation ecosystem. This flaw specifically resides within the RLE decompression functionality of the TranscribePalmImageToJPEG function located in the file generators/plucker/inplug/image.cpp. The vulnerability affects Okular versions 4.3.0 through 4.5.0, making it a significant concern for users within this software range who may encounter malformed PDB files containing crafted images.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during the decompression process of RLE-encoded image data. When the application processes a specially crafted image embedded within a PDB file, the decompression routine fails to properly validate the size of data being read into heap-allocated buffers. This oversight creates a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to application instability or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification as heap-based indicates that the overflow occurs within dynamically allocated memory regions, making exploitation more complex but still highly dangerous due to the potential for memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw by constructing malicious PDB files containing specially crafted image data that triggers the vulnerable decompression routine. When Okular processes such files, the application crashes due to memory corruption, resulting in a denial of service condition. However, the more severe implication arises from the possibility of executing arbitrary code within the context of the application's privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of Okular. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables remote exploitation through document processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2575 primarily involve immediate software updates to patched versions of Okular within the KDE SC 4.5.1 release or later. System administrators should prioritize patch management to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth protection against exploitation attempts. Users should avoid processing untrusted PDB files and consider disabling automatic document preview features when encountering suspicious content. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in multimedia processing libraries, particularly those handling compressed image formats that may be subject to malformed input attacks. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Okular versions and implement appropriate monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.