CVE-2010-4540 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the load_preset_response function in plug-ins/lighting/lighting-ui.c in the "LIGHTING EFFECTS > LIGHT" plugin in GIMP 2.6.11 allows user-assisted remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a long Position field in a plugin configuration file. NOTE: it may be uncommon to obtain a GIMP plugin configuration file from an untrusted source that is separate from the distribution of the plugin itself. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4540 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the GIMP image editing software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically affects the LIGHTING EFFECTS > LIGHT plugin version 2.6.11 and resides in the load_preset_response function located in the plug-ins/lighting/lighting-ui.c source file. The flaw manifests when the application processes a plugin configuration file containing an excessively long Position field, creating a condition where user-assisted remote attackers can exploit this weakness to either cause application crashes or potentially achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow mechanism where insufficient input validation allows data to overflow the allocated stack buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory and disrupting normal program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and unpredictable behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential privilege escalation and system compromise scenarios. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the GIMP application to crash abruptly, resulting in denial of service for legitimate users who rely on the lighting effects plugin for their image editing workflows. However, the more severe implications arise from the potential for arbitrary code execution, which could allow attackers to run malicious code with the privileges of the user running GIMP. The attack vector requires a user-assisted scenario where an attacker can convince a victim to load a specially crafted plugin configuration file, though the practicality of such an attack is somewhat limited given that most plugin configuration files are typically distributed through official channels. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of the Position field to exceed the buffer's allocated size, typically involving precise calculation of stack offsets and memory layout assumptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4540 must address both immediate protection and long-term security posture improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to GIMP versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability, as the flaw was resolved in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement strict input validation policies for all plugin configuration files, particularly those sourced from untrusted origins, and consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper bounds checking and input validation in plugin architectures, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1068 for privilege escalation. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted plugin configurations and establish secure development practices that emphasize defensive programming techniques including buffer overflow prevention mechanisms. Network segmentation and user access controls can further reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation scenarios. The incident highlights the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability management processes, particularly for software components that handle external input through plugin architectures and configuration files.