CVE-2015-7552 in gdk-pixbuf
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the gdk_pixbuf_flip function in gdk-pixbuf-scale.c in gdk-pixbuf 2.30.x allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted BMP file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7552 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the gdk-pixbuf library's gdk_pixbuf_flip function. This flaw exists in the gdk-pixbuf-scale.c source file and affects version 2.30.x of the gdk-pixbuf library, which is a fundamental component in many graphical applications and desktop environments across Unix-like systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking when processing BMP image files, specifically during the flipping operation that transforms image data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious BMP files that trigger the buffer overflow condition when the affected library attempts to process the image data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper memory management during image scaling operations. When the gdk_pixbuf_flip function processes a specially crafted BMP file, it fails to validate the size parameters of the image data before attempting to copy or manipulate memory regions. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can overflow a heap-allocated buffer, potentially leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through web browsers or other applications that utilize gdk-pixbuf for image handling, making it a prime target for remote code execution attacks in desktop environments. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of memory safety issues that have been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7552 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential full system compromise. Desktop environments relying on gdk-pixbuf for image processing, including GNOME, KDE, and various web browsers with image rendering capabilities, become vulnerable to remote exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious BMP files that, when opened by vulnerable applications, trigger the buffer overflow and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. This vulnerability affects a broad spectrum of systems including desktop computers, servers, and embedded devices that utilize the affected library. The exploitation chain typically involves delivering a crafted BMP file through social engineering or web-based attacks, where the victim's system automatically processes the image through the vulnerable gdk-pixbuf library, creating a pathway for remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7552 focus primarily on immediate patching and system hardening measures. System administrators should prioritize updating to gdk-pixbuf version 2.30.7 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing application sandboxing and restricting file type handling can reduce the attack surface. Network-level protections such as content filtering and web application firewalls can help prevent the delivery of malicious BMP files to vulnerable systems. Security researchers recommend employing address space layout randomization, stack canaries, and other exploit mitigation techniques to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify systems potentially affected by this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched systems to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed without introducing regressions in application functionality. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and the critical nature of proper input validation in preventing memory corruption exploits.