CVE-2020-21050 : What You Need to Know

Libsixel prior to v1.8.3 contains a stack buffer overflow vulnerability in the function gif_process_raster at fromgif.c.

Understanding CVE-2020-21050

This CVE entry describes a specific vulnerability in Libsixel prior to version 1.8.3.

What is CVE-2020-21050?

CVE-2020-21050 is a stack buffer overflow vulnerability found in the function gif_process_raster at fromgif.c in Libsixel versions prior to v1.8.3.

The Impact of CVE-2020-21050

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by triggering a buffer overflow.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-21050

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the function gif_process_raster at fromgif.c in Libsixel versions prior to v1.8.3, allowing a stack buffer overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions prior to v1.8.3

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious GIF file to trigger the stack buffer overflow.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-21050 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Libsixel to version 1.8.3 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid opening GIF files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
Implement proper input validation to prevent buffer overflows.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Libsixel promptly to address security vulnerabilities.