CVE-2011-1782 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. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2010-4543.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1782 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Paint Shop Pro plugin implementation in GIMP version 2.6.11. This issue specifically affects the read_channel_data function located in the file-psp.c module, which processes PSP_COMP_RLE compressed image files. The flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious PSP image file containing an RLE compression structure that begins a long run count at the end of the image data, creating a condition where the application fails to properly validate buffer boundaries during decompression operations. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and image processing protocols, where the expected data structure validation mechanisms prove insufficient against crafted malicious inputs.
The technical execution of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the decompression logic of the PSP plugin component. When GIMP processes a maliciously constructed PSP image file with RLE compression, the read_channel_data function attempts to read data from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, causing memory corruption that can result in either application crash or more severe exploitation scenarios. This heap-based overflow occurs because the plugin does not adequately validate the length of run count sequences within the RLE data structure, particularly when these sequences are positioned at the end of the image data stream where the application expects to encounter end-of-data markers or boundary conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a regression or incomplete remediation of a previously identified weakness.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1782 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a significant security concern for any system running affected versions of GIMP. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious PSP image files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms, where unsuspecting users might open the files with GIMP. The potential for remote code execution arises from the memory corruption properties of heap overflows, which can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow through techniques such as return-oriented programming or direct code injection. This vulnerability affects not only individual users but also organizations relying on GIMP for image processing workflows, as it can be triggered through automated image processing pipelines or batch operations involving user-submitted content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1782 require immediate patching of GIMP installations to versions that properly address the buffer overflow conditions in the PSP plugin. System administrators should prioritize updating to GIMP versions that contain complete fixes for both CVE-2011-1782 and its related predecessor CVE-2010-4543, ensuring that all image processing components receive proper boundary validation. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict file format validation policies, deploying sandboxing mechanisms for image processing operations, and establishing network-level controls to prevent execution of untrusted image files. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect and block potentially malicious image files before they reach end-user systems, while maintaining detailed logging of image processing activities to enable forensic analysis if attacks occur. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation and proper memory management in multimedia processing libraries, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities.