CVE-2025-2760 Overview
CVE-2025-2760 is a critical integer overflow vulnerability affecting GIMP's XWD (X Window Dump) file parsing functionality. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GIMP. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability—the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious XWD file.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of XWD files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in an integer overflow before allocating a buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can achieve arbitrary code execution by convincing users to open specially crafted XWD files, potentially leading to complete system compromise with the privileges of the GIMP user.
Affected Products
- GIMP version 2.10.38
- Earlier versions of GIMP supporting XWD file parsing may also be affected
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-23 - CVE-2025-2760 published to NVD
- 2025-11-03 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-2760
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound). The flaw resides in GIMP's XWD file parsing code, which fails to properly validate user-supplied data before performing arithmetic operations used to calculate buffer sizes. When processing a maliciously crafted XWD file, the parser can be tricked into calculating an incorrect (smaller) buffer size due to integer overflow, subsequently allocating insufficient memory.
The vulnerability requires local access with user interaction—typically opening a malicious file. Once exploited, an attacker gains code execution capabilities with full access to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, operating within the context of the current GIMP process.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper validation of numeric values in XWD file headers before using them in memory allocation calculations. XWD files contain header fields that specify image dimensions and other parameters. When these values are multiplied together to calculate buffer sizes without proper overflow checks, the arithmetic operation can wrap around to a small positive number, causing a heap buffer to be allocated that is far smaller than required.
Attack Vector
The attack vector requires user interaction—a victim must be convinced to open a malicious XWD file or visit a webpage that triggers GIMP to process such a file. The XWD file format is a legacy image format from X Window System, and GIMP supports importing these files.
An attacker crafts an XWD file with header values specifically chosen to trigger an integer overflow during buffer size calculation. When GIMP parses this file:
- The parser reads manipulated dimension values from the XWD header
- These values are multiplied to calculate the required buffer size
- The multiplication overflows, resulting in a small allocation
- Subsequent data copy operations write beyond the undersized buffer
- The heap overflow enables code execution through various exploitation techniques
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-2760
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected XWD files appearing in user directories or download folders
- GIMP process crashes or abnormal termination patterns
- Memory corruption errors in GIMP application logs
- Suspicious file access patterns involving .xwd file extensions
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for XWD file access and opening events, particularly from untrusted sources
- Implement endpoint detection rules for GIMP process anomalies and unexpected child processes
- Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect suspicious XWD files in common download locations
- Configure email gateway filters to scan and potentially quarantine XWD file attachments
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable application crash monitoring for GIMP processes on endpoints
- Log and alert on XWD file operations through SentinelOne's deep visibility capabilities
- Monitor for unusual network downloads of XWD files from external sources
- Track process behavior for signs of code injection following GIMP execution
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-2760
Immediate Actions Required
- Update GIMP to the latest patched version as soon as available from the vendor
- Warn users against opening XWD files from untrusted or unknown sources
- Consider temporarily disabling or removing XWD file association with GIMP until patched
- Implement application control policies to monitor GIMP execution behavior
Patch Information
Security updates addressing this vulnerability have been released. Debian has published a security announcement through the Debian LTS Announcement. Users should check their distribution's package manager for the latest GIMP security updates. Additional technical details are available through the Zero Day Initiative Advisory.
Workarounds
- Avoid opening XWD files from untrusted sources until the system is patched
- Configure email filters to block or quarantine XWD file attachments
- Use alternative image viewers for XWD files that may not share this vulnerability
- Implement strict download policies for legacy image formats in organizational environments
# Example: Block XWD files at the file system level (Linux)
# Add to /etc/fstab for mount with noexec or use AppArmor/SELinux profiles
# AppArmor example to restrict GIMP from executing code after file open
sudo aa-enforce /etc/apparmor.d/usr.bin.gimp
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
