CVE-2015-8875 in gdk-pixbuf
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in the (1) pixops_composite_nearest, (2) pixops_composite_color_nearest, and (3) pixops_process functions in pixops/pixops.c in gdk-pixbuf before 2.33.1 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted image, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8875 represents a critical security flaw affecting the gdk-pixbuf library version 2.33.0 and earlier. This issue stems from multiple integer overflow conditions within the image processing functions that handle pixel operations, specifically in the pixops_composite_nearest, pixops_composite_color_nearest, and pixops_process functions located in the pixops/pixops.c file. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow or wraparound, which occurs when a computation produces a result that exceeds the maximum value that can be represented by the target data type. These functions are responsible for handling image composition and color processing operations, making them critical components in graphical applications that process user-supplied image data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a specially malformed image file that triggers the integer overflow conditions during pixel processing operations. When the affected functions attempt to calculate buffer sizes or memory allocation requirements based on manipulated image dimensions or parameters, the integer overflows result in incorrect buffer calculations that can lead to heap-based buffer overflows. This memory corruption condition typically manifests as application crashes during image processing, but in some cases could potentially be leveraged for arbitrary code execution depending on the specific memory layout and exploitation conditions. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how image processing libraries can become attack vectors when proper input validation and integer overflow protection are not implemented.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8875 extends across numerous applications and systems that depend on the gdk-pixbuf library for image handling capabilities. This includes web browsers, image viewers, graphic design applications, and any software that processes user-uploaded images through the gdk-pixbuf framework. The vulnerability creates a significant denial of service risk where legitimate users could be denied service by simply uploading a malicious image file, while the potential for arbitrary code execution introduces a more severe threat vector. The attack surface is particularly broad since gdk-pixbuf is a fundamental component in many desktop environments and applications, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or view images from untrusted sources. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling adversaries to achieve persistent access through application compromise, though the primary impact here is service disruption rather than privilege escalation.
The remediation for this vulnerability requires updating to gdk-pixbuf version 2.33.1 or later, where the integer overflow conditions have been properly addressed through improved input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects a core system library with widespread deployment across various operating systems and applications. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing input sanitization measures at network boundaries and application levels to detect and prevent malformed image files from reaching vulnerable applications. The fix demonstrates the importance of robust integer overflow protection in security-critical libraries and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when mathematical operations in image processing and graphics libraries are not properly constrained, particularly in environments where untrusted input is processed without adequate validation.