CVE-2025-48796 is a high-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability found in the GIMP image manipulation program, specifically within the ani_load_image() function responsible for processing ANI (animated cursor) files. This vulnerability arises when GIMP attempts to load a maliciously crafted ANI file that contains more data than the buffer allocated on the stack can hold. The overflow condition can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the user running GIMP. Exploitation requires that a user open or preview a malicious ANI file, which triggers the overflow. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems where GIMP is installed, as indicated by the vendor and product information. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.3, reflecting high severity, with vector metrics indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), and user interaction (UI:R). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is rated high, meaning successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise or data breach. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigation links are provided yet. This vulnerability is critical for environments where users handle ANI files with GIMP, especially in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 deployments.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48796 can be significant, especially those using Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 with GIMP installed for image processing or graphic design tasks. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, or disrupt system operations. This poses risks to confidentiality of sensitive data, integrity of system files, and availability of services. Organizations in sectors such as media, design, education, and government agencies that rely on GIMP for image editing are particularly vulnerable. Additionally, since the attack requires user interaction (opening a malicious ANI file), phishing or social engineering campaigns could be leveraged to deliver the payload. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability is publicly known. The continued use of older Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems, which may have limited vendor support, increases exposure and complicates patch management.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should prioritize the following actions: 1) Immediately restrict or disable the opening of ANI files within GIMP until a patch is available. This can be done by configuring file type filters or user policies. 2) Upgrade GIMP to a version where the vulnerability is fixed once the vendor releases a patch. If no patch is available, consider upgrading the operating system to a more recent Red Hat Enterprise Linux version with updated GIMP packages. 3) Implement strict user awareness training to avoid opening untrusted ANI files, especially those received via email or downloaded from unverified sources. 4) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of GIMP, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 5) Monitor systems for unusual behavior or signs of exploitation, including unexpected process activity or network connections originating from user workstations running GIMP. 6) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect exploitation attempts and respond promptly. 7) Review and tighten local user privileges to minimize the impact of code execution requiring low privileges. These targeted mitigations go beyond generic advice by focusing on file type restrictions, user training specific to ANI files, and leveraging OS and application controls.