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. The vulnerability arises when GIMP attempts to load ANI files that contain more data than the allocated buffer can handle, leading to a stack overflow condition. This overflow can corrupt the stack memory, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the user running GIMP. Exploitation requires a user to open a maliciously crafted ANI file, which triggers the overflow and enables code execution. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems where GIMP is installed, and the CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.3, indicating a high severity level. The vector string (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) shows that the attack requires local access with low complexity, low privileges, and user interaction, but results in high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigations are linked yet. This vulnerability highlights the risk of processing untrusted ANI files in GIMP on affected systems, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or execute malicious payloads locally.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily in environments where Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 is still in use and GIMP is installed and utilized, such as graphic design, media production, or software development teams. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of business operations, or lateral movement within corporate networks. Given the requirement for local access and user interaction, the threat is more relevant in scenarios where users might open untrusted ANI files, such as through phishing or social engineering campaigns. Organizations with legacy systems running RHEL 6 may face increased exposure due to the older platform's reduced security posture and potential lack of active patching. The impact is heightened in sectors handling sensitive or regulated data, including finance, healthcare, and government institutions across Europe.

To mitigate this vulnerability effectively, European organizations should: 1) Immediately audit and identify all systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 with GIMP installed. 2) Restrict or disable the use of GIMP for opening ANI files, especially from untrusted sources, until a patch is available. 3) Implement strict user training and awareness programs to prevent opening suspicious ANI files received via email or other channels. 4) Employ application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques to limit GIMP's ability to execute arbitrary code or access critical system resources. 5) Monitor local system logs and user activities for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Plan and execute an upgrade strategy to move from RHEL 6 to a more current and supported operating system version with active security updates. 7) Once patches or updates are released by Red Hat or GIMP maintainers, prioritize their deployment in affected environments. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the attack vector (ANI files), limiting user exposure, and addressing the legacy system risk.