CVE-2025-59820 in Krita
Summary
by MITRE • 11/26/2025
In KDE Krita before 5.2.13, loading a manipulated TGA file could result in a heap-based buffer overflow in plugins/impex/tga/kis_tga_import.cpp (aka KisTgaImport). Control flow proceeds even when a number of pixels becomes negative.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-59820 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in the KDE Krita image editing software affecting versions prior to 5.2.13. This flaw resides within the TGA file import functionality specifically in the plugins/impex/tga/kis_tga_import.cpp component, which handles the parsing and loading of Truevision TGA (Targa) image files. The issue manifests when the software processes manipulated TGA files that contain malformed pixel count values, creating conditions where the application attempts to allocate memory based on negative pixel counts, leading to unpredictable memory corruption patterns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the TGA import module. When a maliciously crafted TGA file is loaded, the parser fails to properly validate the pixel dimensions specified in the file header, allowing negative values to propagate through the processing pipeline. This failure in bounds checking creates a scenario where the application attempts to allocate memory blocks based on negative integers, resulting in heap corruption that can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-129, insufficient input validation, while also aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, through file format manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it presents a potential vector for remote code execution in scenarios where users might unknowingly open malicious TGA files. Attackers could craft specially formatted TGA files that, when opened by an unpatched Krita instance, would trigger the buffer overflow condition and potentially allow arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the application. This risk is particularly concerning in collaborative environments where users might receive image files from untrusted sources, or in automated workflows where image processing scripts might be triggered by user uploads. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Krita's file import system, making it a high-risk issue for graphic designers, digital artists, and creative professionals who regularly work with various image formats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-59820 primarily focus on immediate patch application to versions 5.2.13 and later, which contain the necessary fixes to properly validate pixel count values during TGA file parsing. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected installations and implement automated patch management solutions to prevent exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing file validation procedures that scan incoming image files for suspicious patterns, configuring application sandboxing to limit potential damage from successful exploits, and establishing user awareness programs to educate personnel about the risks of opening untrusted image files. Network-level protections such as content filtering systems can also help prevent malicious TGA files from reaching end-user systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in multimedia processing libraries and serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust memory safety practices in image processing software.