CVE-2017-17788 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
In GIMP 2.8.22, there is a stack-based buffer over-read in xcf_load_stream in app/xcf/xcf.c when there is no '\0' character after the version string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17788 represents a critical stack-based buffer over-read condition within the GNU Image Manipulation Program version 2.8.22. This flaw exists in the xcf_load_stream function located in the app/xcf/xcf.c source file, which processes XCF (eXperimental C source Format) files used by GIMP for image storage. The vulnerability manifests when the application encounters XCF files lacking a null terminator character immediately following the version string during the loading process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the parsing routine that handles XCF file structures. When GIMP attempts to read an XCF file containing a version string without the expected null termination character, the application's memory management fails to properly bound-check the buffer operations. This condition allows the program to read beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially accessing uninitialized memory locations or data belonging to other program variables. The flaw operates as a classic stack-based buffer over-read because the vulnerable code does not properly validate the length of the version string before performing memory access operations, creating a scenario where the stack memory adjacent to the buffer becomes accessible through unintended memory traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple program instability, presenting potential security risks that could be exploited by malicious actors. An attacker could craft specially formatted XCF files designed to trigger this buffer over-read condition, potentially leading to application crashes, denial of service scenarios, or in more sophisticated attack vectors, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given GIMP's widespread use in professional and personal image editing environments where users frequently open files from untrusted sources. This flaw could be leveraged in targeted attacks against users who might unknowingly open maliciously crafted image files, especially in environments where automated file processing or batch operations are common.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17788 should focus on immediate software updates to patched versions of GIMP where the buffer over-read condition has been corrected through proper bounds checking and input validation. System administrators should prioritize updating all GIMP installations to versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the flaw affects the core file parsing functionality that is essential to the application's operation. Additionally, users should implement defensive measures such as restricting file access permissions for image files from untrusted sources, enabling sandboxing mechanisms where available, and conducting regular security assessments of image processing workflows. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in file processing contexts where malicious files are executed through normal application operations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated file validation checks and content inspection systems to prevent exploitation of similar buffer over-read conditions in other image processing applications.