CVE-2012-3236 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
fits-io.c in GIMP before 2.8.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and application crash) via a malformed XTENSION header of a .fit file, as demonstrated using a long string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3236 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the GIMP image editing software suite. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 2.8.1 and resides in the fits-io.c file which handles FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) file format processing. The vulnerability manifests when GIMP attempts to parse malformed XTENSION headers found in .fit files, creating a scenario where remote attackers can exploit this weakness to crash the application. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the file parsing routine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through network-based attacks or malicious file delivery mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a NULL pointer dereference condition that occurs when the fits-io.c module processes an oversized or malformed XTENSION header field within FITS files. When GIMP encounters a .fit file containing a long string in the XTENSION header, the parsing logic fails to properly validate the input length and structure, resulting in a NULL pointer being dereferenced during the application's processing flow. This type of error falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a common weakness in software security implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the application does not adequately check for null values before attempting to access memory locations, leading directly to application crashes and potential system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3236 extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a significant security risk for users who may unknowingly process maliciously crafted FITS files. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform remote denial of service attacks against GIMP users, potentially disrupting graphic design workflows, scientific image processing tasks, or any legitimate use of the software that involves FITS file handling. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where GIMP is used for professional image editing, scientific data visualization, or medical imaging applications where system reliability is paramount. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact method of causing service disruption that does not require elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it attractive for malicious actors seeking to compromise user productivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around immediate software updates and patch management protocols. Users should upgrade to GIMP version 2.8.1 or later where the issue has been resolved through proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. The fix typically involves implementing bounds checking for header field lengths and ensuring that all pointers are validated before dereferencing operations. Security administrators should also consider implementing file type validation and sandboxing techniques for any systems processing FITS files, particularly in enterprise environments where GIMP may be used for critical image processing tasks. Additionally, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks and demonstrates the importance of input validation as a fundamental security control. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual application crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability can be used in broader attack campaigns targeting creative and scientific software environments where such applications are commonly deployed.