CVE-2017-17785 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
In GIMP 2.8.22, there is a heap-based buffer overflow in the fli_read_brun function in plug-ins/file-fli/fli.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-17785 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting GIMP version 2.8.22 within the fli_read_brun function located in plug-ins/file-fli/fli.c. This flaw arises from insufficient input validation when processing FLI (Flexible Image Library) image files, specifically those utilizing the BRUN (BRun) compression algorithm. The issue manifests when the application attempts to read and decompress FLI files that contain malformed or specially crafted BRUN data structures, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the fli_read_brun function where the application fails to validate the size of data segments before copying them into fixed-size buffers allocated on the heap. When processing malicious FLI files, the function calculates buffer sizes based on potentially untrusted input values without adequate verification, resulting in writes that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries. This heap overflow condition creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution, memory corruption, and potential denial of service scenarios that can be triggered simply by opening a specially crafted FLI file within the GIMP application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to users who may unknowingly open compromised FLI files, either through malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or infected file sharing networks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given GIMP's widespread use in professional and amateur image editing environments where users frequently handle files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering tactics where attackers craft malicious FLI files designed to trigger the buffer overflow during normal file opening procedures, potentially allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the user running GIMP.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities through malicious file formats. Organizations using GIMP should prioritize immediate patching to address this vulnerability, as the exploitability of heap-based buffer overflows in image processing applications is well-documented within cybersecurity communities. Mitigation strategies include implementing strict file format validation, deploying application whitelisting controls, and establishing secure file handling procedures that prevent automatic opening of untrusted image files. Security professionals should also consider monitoring for suspicious file opening patterns and implementing sandboxing measures for image processing applications to contain potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file format parsers in widely-used creative software applications.