CVE-2016-4994 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the xcf_load_image function in app/xcf/xcf-load.c in GIMP allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (program crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted XCF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2024
The CVE-2016-4994 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the GIMP image editing software's XCF file handling mechanism. This vulnerability specifically affects the xcf_load_image function located in the app/xcf/xcf-load.c source file, which is responsible for loading XCF (eXperimental Computer Format) files that are native to GIMP. The flaw arises from improper memory management during the parsing of maliciously crafted XCF files, creating a scenario where freed memory locations are accessed after being deallocated, leading to unpredictable behavior in the application's execution flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability classifies it as a use-after-free condition, which is systematically documented under CWE-416 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This type of memory corruption vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution path. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through the manipulation of XCF files, which are commonly used for saving and loading image data within GIMP. When a victim opens a specially crafted XCF file, the flawed memory management in the xcf_load_image function triggers the use-after-free condition, potentially resulting in program termination or more severe consequences.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it presents a potential pathway for arbitrary code execution. Attackers can craft XCF files that, when processed by vulnerable GIMP versions, cause the application to behave unpredictably. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious files through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms without requiring any special privileges or local access. The potential for remote code execution through this flaw makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources, as it could enable attackers to gain complete control over affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4994 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by the GIMP development team. System administrators should prioritize patching vulnerable installations to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions of GIMP released prior to the fix. Additionally, implementing security measures such as restricting file type associations, enabling sandboxing mechanisms, and employing automated malware scanning for image files can help reduce the risk of exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving malicious file execution and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on image editing software. Network-based mitigations including content filtering and email scanning can also provide additional layers of protection against delivery of malicious XCF files. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices in software development and highlights the critical need for regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities in widely-used applications.