CVE-2011-2485 in Pidgin
Summary
by MITRE
The gdk_pixbuf__gif_image_load function in gdk-pixbuf/io-gif.c in gdk-pixbuf before 2.23.5 does not properly handle certain return values, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) via a crafted GIF image file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2485 resides within the gdk-pixbuf library, specifically in the gdk_pixbuf__gif_image_load function located in gdk-pixbuf/io-gif.c. This library serves as a crucial component for image processing in numerous graphical applications and systems, particularly those built on the GTK+ framework. The flaw manifests in the library's handling of GIF image files, where the function fails to properly validate or process certain return values during the image loading process. This improper handling creates a condition where maliciously crafted GIF files can trigger unexpected behavior in the image processing pipeline.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the GIF loading mechanism. When the gdk_pixbuf__gif_image_load function encounters specific malformed or crafted GIF structures, it does not correctly interpret the return values from underlying operations. This failure allows an attacker to construct a GIF file that, when processed by an application using gdk-pixbuf, causes the library to consume excessive memory resources. The vulnerability operates at the level of memory management and resource allocation within the image parsing code, where the library fails to properly validate input data before proceeding with memory allocation operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against systems that process GIF images through gdk-pixbuf. The memory consumption issue can lead to system instability, application crashes, or complete system resource exhaustion depending on the implementation and available memory resources. Applications that rely on gdk-pixbuf for image handling, including web browsers, image viewers, and graphic design tools, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through any mechanism that processes GIF files, making it a widespread concern across numerous software platforms that utilize GTK+ components.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-457: Use of Uninitialized Variables, as the function fails to properly initialize or validate return values from operations within the GIF parsing process. Additionally, it relates to CWE-122: Heap-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-772: Missing Release of Resource after Effective Lifetime, as the improper handling leads to excessive memory consumption without proper resource management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, where the attacker leverages resource exhaustion to disrupt system availability. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous in web environments where users may unknowingly trigger the vulnerability through image processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2485 include immediate upgrading to gdk-pixbuf version 2.23.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly handle return values and prevent excessive memory consumption. System administrators should also implement input validation measures and consider implementing image processing restrictions for untrusted GIF files. Additionally, applications should employ proper error handling and resource management techniques to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected versions of gdk-pixbuf and ensure comprehensive patch deployment across their infrastructure.