CVE-2025-35984 in Image Decoding Library
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2025
A memory corruption vulnerability exists in the PCX Image Decoding functionality of the SAIL Image Decoding Library v0.9.8. When decoding the image data from a specially crafted .pcx file, a heap-based buffer overflow can occur which allows for remote code execution. An attacker will need to convince the library to read a file to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-35984 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within the SAIL Image Decoding Library version 0.9.8, specifically affecting the PCX image format decoding module. This security issue manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow that occurs during the processing of maliciously crafted .pcx files, creating a significant attack surface for remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the library's image parsing routines, particularly when handling the decompression and rendering of PCX image data structures.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the library's failure to properly validate the size and structure of PCX image headers and pixel data during the decoding process. When processing a specially crafted .pcx file, the vulnerable code attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, leading to heap corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input sanitization can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires remote code execution through a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous for applications that automatically process image files from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be leveraged by attackers to gain full control over systems running vulnerable applications. The heap corruption can be exploited to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications, content management systems, and any software that processes user-uploaded images, as it can be triggered through simple file uploads or automated image processing workflows. The remote code execution capability places this vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, and the T1203 technique for exploitation for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-35984 should prioritize immediate patching of the SAIL Image Decoding Library to version 0.9.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement strict input validation for all image file processing, including file format detection, size validation, and content sanitization before any decoding operations. Additional protective measures include deploying sandboxing mechanisms for image processing, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and establishing robust monitoring for suspicious file processing activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in image processing libraries and highlights the need for regular security assessments of third-party components used in application development. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect the presence of vulnerable library versions in their software supply chains.