CVE-2015-7674 in gdk-pixbuf
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the pixops_scale_nearest function in pixops/pixops.c in gdk-pixbuf before 2.32.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted GIF image file, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7674 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the gdk-pixbuf library version 2.32.0 and earlier. This issue resides in the pixops_scale_nearest function located in pixops/pixops.c, which serves as a fundamental component for image processing operations in graphical applications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation when processing image dimensions, specifically affecting the handling of GIF image files that contain malformed width and height parameters. When a maliciously crafted GIF file is processed by an application utilizing gdk-pixbuf, the integer overflow occurs during the calculation of buffer sizes required for image scaling operations, creating a condition where the application attempts to allocate memory blocks that exceed the maximum representable integer values.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined pattern that aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions. The flaw manifests when the application processes a GIF image with oversized dimension values that, when combined with scaling operations, result in integer arithmetic that exceeds the maximum value that can be represented within the integer data type. This overflow condition directly translates into a heap-based buffer overflow, where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. The operational impact is severe as this vulnerability can be leveraged by remote attackers to trigger application crashes through denial of service attacks, while the heap corruption provides potential for arbitrary code execution depending on the memory layout and exploitation conditions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in web applications and image processing services where user-supplied content is processed without proper sanitization.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-7674 demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution. Attackers can craft malicious GIF files containing oversized dimension parameters that, when processed by vulnerable applications, cause the integer overflow and subsequent buffer overflow conditions. This vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that utilize the gdk-pixbuf library for image processing, including web browsers, image viewers, and content management systems. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a significant concern for system administrators and security professionals. The vulnerability is particularly relevant in environments where applications process untrusted image files, as the attack surface includes any application that relies on gdk-pixbuf for image manipulation and display operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7674 focus on immediate remediation through version updates to gdk-pixbuf 2.32.1 or later, which contain proper integer overflow protections and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the security updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for image files, particularly when processing user uploads or external content, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious image files. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous image processing patterns and memory allocation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper integer arithmetic handling in security-critical code, emphasizing the need for developers to implement robust input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on integer overflow vulnerabilities should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other components of the software stack, particularly in libraries that handle multimedia content processing.