CVE-2013-1978 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the read_xwd_cols function in file-xwd.c in the X Window Dump (XWD) plug-in in GIMP 2.6.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via an X Window System (XWD) image dump with more colors than color map entries.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1978 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw within the X Window Dump (XWD) plugin of the GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP version 2.6.9 and earlier. This security defect resides in the read_xwd_cols function located in the file-xwd.c source file, which processes XWD image format files. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin encounters an XWD image dump containing a color count that exceeds the available color map entries, creating a scenario where memory allocation becomes compromised and arbitrary code execution becomes possible.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the read_xwd_cols function, which fails to validate the relationship between the number of colors specified in the XWD file and the actual color map entries available in the file structure. When an attacker crafts a malicious XWD file with an excessive color count relative to the color map entries, the function attempts to write data beyond the allocated heap memory boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior. This heap corruption can result in application crashes during normal operation or potentially enable remote code execution if the attacker can control the memory layout and overwrite critical program structures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation in memory management operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities that could compromise entire systems. Attackers exploiting this flaw could remotely crash GIMP applications or potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. The vulnerability affects users who process untrusted XWD files, particularly in environments where GIMP is used for image processing workflows or where users might encounter XWD files from unknown sources. This includes web applications, email clients, and image processing services that might inadvertently process XWD files, making the impact particularly severe in enterprise and server environments. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, as it targets client-side applications through crafted file inputs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1978 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches from the GIMP development team. Users should upgrade to GIMP versions 2.8.0 and later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict file validation policies, particularly for image processing applications that handle external file inputs. Network-based defenses can include implementing content filtering solutions that block or quarantine XWD files from untrusted sources, while endpoint protection measures should monitor for suspicious file processing activities. Additionally, security-conscious organizations should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for image processing applications and maintain regular vulnerability scanning to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the dangers of processing untrusted image files and the importance of keeping software updated with the latest security patches to prevent successful exploitation of this heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability.