CVE-2010-4543 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the read_channel_data function in file-psp.c in the Paint Shop Pro (PSP) plugin in GIMP 2.6.11 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a PSP_COMP_RLE (aka RLE compression) image file that begins a long run count at the end of the image. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4543 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the Paint Shop Pro plugin implementation in GIMP version 2.6.11. This issue resides in the read_channel_data function located in the file-psp.c module, which processes PSP_COMP_RLE compressed image files. The vulnerability manifests when a maliciously crafted PSP image file containing RLE compression begins with an extended run count value positioned at the end of the image data structure. This specific configuration triggers memory corruption during the parsing process, creating a condition where the application attempts to write beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined pattern that aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-125, out-of-bounds read. When GIMP processes the malformed PSP file, the read_channel_data function fails to properly validate the run count values within the RLE compression scheme, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout through crafted input data. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it specifically targets client-side image processing applications. The overflow occurs during the decompression phase of RLE encoded data, where the application's memory management fails to account for potentially excessive values that could cause the heap allocator to write beyond intended buffer limits, ultimately leading to memory corruption that can result in stack smashing or heap corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution in affected systems. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause application crashes that manifest as denial of service conditions, but more critically, the memory corruption can be leveraged to redirect execution flow through controlled data manipulation. This vulnerability affects all systems running GIMP 2.6.11 with the Paint Shop Pro plugin enabled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might encounter untrusted image files. The attack vector requires remote delivery of malicious image files, making it suitable for web-based exploitation scenarios where users browse or download images from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that GIMP is widely used across various platforms and distributions, increasing the potential attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4543 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GIMP installations to version 2.6.12 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the heap overflow condition. System administrators should also implement strict file validation policies that filter or scan image files before processing, particularly for files originating from untrusted sources. Network-level defenses can include implementing content filtering mechanisms that block PSP image files from certain domains or implementing sandboxing techniques that isolate image processing operations from core system resources. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted image files and encouraged to keep their software updated regularly. The fix implemented in subsequent GIMP versions addresses the root cause by adding proper bounds checking and input validation to the read_channel_data function, ensuring that run count values are properly constrained before being used in memory allocation operations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern, as the flaw demonstrates characteristics commonly associated with memory corruption attacks that can be chained with other exploitation techniques.