CVE-2021-46829:Heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in GNOME GdkPixbuf when processing GIF files.

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CVE-2021-46829 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in GNOME GdkPixbuf (GDK-PixBuf) versions before 2.42.8. The vulnerability occurs during the processing of GIF files, specifically when compositing or clearing frames in the io-gif-animation.c composite_frame function. This overflow is controllable and could potentially be exploited for arbitrary code execution, with systems running 32-bit architectures being particularly vulnerable. An attacker could craft a malicious GIF file that, when processed by an application using the vulnerable GdkPixbuf library, could lead to memory corruption and potentially code execution.

Overview

GdkPixbuf is a library for image loading and manipulation used by many GNOME applications. The vulnerability exists in the GIF processing component of the library, where insufficient bounds checking allows for a heap-based buffer overflow. The issue is related to CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound) which can lead to improper memory allocation and subsequent buffer overflow. When processing certain GIF files, the library fails to properly validate frame dimensions and buffer sizes before performing operations, resulting in memory corruption. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because GdkPixbuf is widely used in many Linux desktop environments and applications for image rendering.

Remediation

  1. Update GdkPixbuf to version 2.42.8 or later, which contains the fix for this vulnerability.
  2. If immediate updating is not possible, consider implementing temporary mitigations such as:
    • Disabling GIF processing in applications where it's not essential
    • Implementing additional validation for user-supplied image files
    • Using application sandboxing to limit potential impact of exploitation

System administrators and package maintainers should apply security updates from their distribution vendors as they become available. The vulnerability has been addressed in patches available in the referenced GitLab commits (5398f04d772f7f8baf5265715696ed88db0f0512 and bca00032ad68d0b0aa2c1f7558db931e52bd9cd2).

References

  1. Original vulnerability report: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gdk-pixbuf/-/issues/190
  2. Fix commits:
    • https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gdk-pixbuf/-/commit/5398f04d772f7f8baf5265715696ed88db0f0512
    • https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gdk-pixbuf/-/commit/bca00032ad68d0b0aa2c1f7558db931e52bd9cd2
  3. Merge request with fix: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gdk-pixbuf/-/merge_requests/121
  4. Technical analysis and PoC: https://github.com/pedrib/PoC/blob/master/fuzzing/CVE-2021-46829/CVE-2021-46829.md
  5. OSS-Security mailing list discussion: https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/07/23/1
  6. Debian Security Advisory: https://www.debian.org/security/2022/dsa-5228
  7. Fedora update: https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/M5IHHEYFD6GDZVALKIPPRD2U4JNZUZWR/

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  3. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  4. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  5. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  6. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  7. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  8. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  9. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  10. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  11. Information
    Information
  12. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  13. Utilities
    Utilities
  14. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  15. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  16. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  17. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  18. Construction
    Construction
  19. Mining
    Mining
  20. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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