CVE-2011-0041 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in gdiplus.dll in GDI+ in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold and SP2, and Office XP SP3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted EMF image, aka "GDI+ Integer Overflow Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The CVE-2011-0041 vulnerability represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Graphics Device Interface Plus component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects gdiplus.dll, which serves as the core library for graphics rendering operations in Windows environments. The flaw manifests when processing Enhanced Metafile (EMF) image formats, which are commonly used for vector graphics and document formatting within Microsoft Office applications and Windows graphical interfaces. The vulnerability impacts a wide range of Windows versions including Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, and Windows Server 2008 Gold and SP2, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread presence across legacy systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the GDI+ library's handling of EMF image structures. When a maliciously crafted EMF file is processed, the integer overflow occurs during memory allocation calculations for image rendering operations. This overflow corrupts memory boundaries and can lead to heap-based buffer overflows, where attacker-controlled data overflows into adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the graphics subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and document processing. The flaw falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a fundamental software security weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. The attack typically begins with delivery of a specially crafted EMF file through phishing emails or compromised websites, where the file is automatically processed when opened or previewed by Windows applications. Once executed, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain elevated privileges and establish persistent access to vulnerable systems. This makes it particularly attractive for advanced persistent threat actors who seek long-term access to corporate networks. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework places it within the execution and privilege escalation domains, with specific mappings to techniques such as 'Exploitation for Client Execution' and 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0041 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, which address the underlying integer overflow in the GDI+ library. Organizations should implement comprehensive network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems and deploy email filtering solutions to block suspicious EMF attachments. Additional defensive measures include disabling automatic preview of Office documents, implementing strict file type restrictions, and maintaining up-to-date antivirus signatures that detect malicious EMF files. System hardening practices such as disabling unnecessary graphics rendering capabilities and restricting user privileges can further reduce exploitation risk. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security maintenance and the critical need for organizations to maintain current patch management processes to protect against known vulnerabilities that have been addressed through official security updates.