CVE-2015-7673 in gdk-pixbuf
Summary
by MITRE
io-tga.c in gdk-pixbuf before 2.32.0 uses heap memory after its allocation failed, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer overflow and application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted Truevision TGA (TARGA) file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7673 represents a critical heap memory management flaw within the gdk-pixbuf library version 2.32.0 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the io-tga.c component responsible for processing Truevision TGA image files, which are commonly used in various graphics applications and operating systems. The flaw stems from improper memory handling during the parsing of malformed TGA files, creating a dangerous condition where heap memory is accessed after a failed allocation attempt. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, where memory is accessed after it has been freed or failed to be allocated, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted TGA file is processed by an application using gdk-pixbuf for image rendering. During the parsing process, the library attempts to allocate heap memory for image data structures but fails to properly validate or handle the allocation failure. When the application subsequently attempts to access this memory location, it triggers either a heap-based buffer overflow or causes the application to crash due to accessing invalid memory addresses. This behavior can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, making it a severe security concern for any application stack that processes user-supplied image files. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting weaknesses in application code to achieve remote code execution through memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7673 extends far beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can be weaponized to compromise entire system architectures. Applications that rely on gdk-pixbuf for image processing including web browsers, image viewers, graphic design software, and multimedia applications become vulnerable to remote exploitation. The heap-based buffer overflow creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate program execution flow, potentially allowing them to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where users can upload or view images from untrusted sources, such as web applications, social media platforms, and email clients. The memory corruption aspect of this flaw makes it especially dangerous because it can be used to bypass modern security mitigations like stack canaries and address space layout randomization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7673 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary solution involves upgrading to gdk-pixbuf version 2.32.0 or later, which includes proper memory allocation validation and error handling mechanisms. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable applications are updated promptly. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level sanitization of image file formats and implementation of strict file format checking before processing. Network-level defenses such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection by preventing malicious TGA files from reaching vulnerable applications. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections like heap corruption detection tools and memory protection mechanisms that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management practices and highlights the need for thorough security testing of third-party libraries used in application development, particularly those handling untrusted input data.