Heap Buffer Overflow in imlib2: Critical Vulnerability Detected

imlib2 Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

09/02/2024
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

DEBIAN-CVE-2024-25448: An issue in the imlib_free_image_and_decache function of imlib2 v1.9.1 allows attackers to cause a heap buffer overflow via parsing a crafted image. Affects imlib2 versions < 1.7.1-2+deb11u1. Fixed in 1.7.1-2+deb11u1. How to fix ↓

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Background

imlib2 is an image loading library that provides a simple interface for manipulating images in various formats. It is widely used in applications that require image processing capabilities. The library is known for its efficiency and ease of use, making it a popular choice among developers. However, a recent vulnerability has been discovered in version 1.9.1, which allows attackers to exploit the library through crafted images, leading to potential security risks.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from an issue in the imlib_free_image_and_decache function of imlib2 version 1.9.1. Attackers can cause a heap buffer overflow by parsing a specially crafted image. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, or crashes, posing significant risks to applications that rely on this library for image processing. The vulnerability has been assigned the identifier DEBIAN-CVE-2024-25448 and affects multiple Debian versions.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.7.1-2+deb11u1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade imlib2

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Workaround

As a temporary workaround, avoid processing untrusted or unverified images with imlib2 until the package is updated. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation through crafted images.

Conclusion

The imlib2 library has a critical vulnerability that can lead to heap buffer overflow, allowing attackers to exploit applications that utilize this library. It is crucial to update to the patched versions as soon as possible to mitigate potential risks. Additionally, using tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.

See every vulnerability recorded for imlib2 →

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FAQ

A heap buffer overflow occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer located on the heap than it can hold, leading to memory corruption and potential exploitation.

You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By uploading your manifest file like package-lock.json, you can check for vulnerabilities without needing to access the code.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, data corruption, application crashes, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Yes, avoid processing untrusted images with imlib2 until the package is updated to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Detailed information can be found in the Debian CVE database, specifically at the link provided in the vulnerability details.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for imlib2.

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How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.7.1-2+deb11u1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade imlib2

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