CVE-2010-4542 in gimp
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the gfig_read_parameter_gimp_rgb function in plug-ins/gfig/gfig-style.c in the GFIG 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 Foreground 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 CVE-2010-4542 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the GFIG plugin of GIMP version 2.6.11. This issue specifically affects the gfig_read_parameter_gimp_rgb function located in plug-ins/gfig/gfig-style.c, where improper input validation leads to memory corruption when processing plugin configuration files. The vulnerability arises from insufficient bounds checking on user-supplied data, particularly the Foreground field parameter, which can be manipulated to exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack buffer overflow condition classified under CWE-121, where the attacker can manipulate the plugin configuration file to inject excessive data into a fixed-size buffer. When the gfig_read_parameter_gimp_rgb function processes a malformed Foreground field containing more data than the designated buffer capacity, it overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and execution flow. This flaw operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as it enables arbitrary code execution through manipulation of the application's memory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to include potential remote code execution capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted plugin configuration files. While the vulnerability requires user interaction to load a malicious configuration file, the attack vector becomes more prevalent when considering that plugin configurations can be distributed through various channels beyond the official GIMP distribution. The application crash resulting from this overflow can be leveraged by attackers to gain control over the execution context, potentially leading to privilege escalation depending on the system environment and user permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4542 should focus on immediate patching of the GIMP 2.6.11 installation to the latest available version that contains the relevant security fixes. System administrators should implement strict input validation for all plugin configuration files and consider restricting user access to plugin directories to prevent unauthorized modification of configuration files. Additionally, deploying application whitelisting solutions can help prevent execution of modified or untrusted plugin components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper bounds checking and input sanitization in plugin architectures, as recommended by security standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual plugin behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.