CVE-2018-12713 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE
GIMP through 2.10.2 makes g_get_tmp_dir calls to establish temporary filenames, which may result in a filename that already exists, as demonstrated by the gimp_write_and_read_file function in app/tests/test-xcf.c. This might be leveraged by attackers to overwrite files or read file content that was intended to be private.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12713 affects the GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP version 2.10.2 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper temporary file handling mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's reliance on g_get_tmp_dir calls within its file operations, specifically within the gimp_write_and_read_file function located in app/tests/test-xcf.c. The flaw creates a predictable race condition scenario where temporary filenames generated by the application may already exist in the filesystem, potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness for unauthorized file operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's use of g_get_tmp_dir to determine temporary directory locations, which when combined with inadequate filename uniqueness checks, creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the temporary file creation process. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-377, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper temporary file handling, and specifically relates to CWE-367, which covers the dangerous use of a function that can be exploited for privilege escalation or information disclosure. The vulnerability operates at the system call level where temporary files are created without sufficient randomness or collision detection mechanisms.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to potentially overwrite existing files with malicious content or read private data that was intended to remain confidential. The exploitability of this flaw increases significantly in environments where GIMP is used with elevated privileges or when users handle sensitive image data. Attackers could leverage this weakness to substitute legitimate temporary files with malicious equivalents, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data corruption. The risk is particularly elevated in multi-user environments or when GIMP is used in automated workflows where temporary file creation is frequent and predictable.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12713 should focus on implementing robust temporary file creation mechanisms that ensure filename uniqueness and prevent race conditions. System administrators should upgrade to GIMP version 2.10.3 or later, where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved temporary file handling procedures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing proper file permission controls and monitoring for suspicious temporary file creation patterns. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for privilege escalation and T1566 for social engineering through file manipulation, making it critical to address from both defensive and operational security perspectives. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and file access controls to prevent unauthorized file system interactions that could be exploited through this vulnerability.