CVE-2025-48797 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the GIMP image processing software, specifically when handling certain TGA (Targa) image files. The vulnerability arises due to improper memory management when parsing specially crafted TGA files, which can cause GIMP to perform out-of-bounds writes on the heap. This memory corruption can lead to application crashes and potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within the context of the user running GIMP. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 Extended Lifecycle Support, indicating that the flaw exists in the version of GIMP packaged or supported on this platform. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.3, categorized as high severity, reflecting the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L), with privileges required (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of heap buffer overflows makes this vulnerability a critical concern for users who open untrusted or malicious TGA files in GIMP. The flaw could be exploited by tricking a user into opening a malicious image, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or denial of service. Given that GIMP is widely used for image editing, this vulnerability poses a risk especially in environments where users handle untrusted image files or receive files from external sources.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-48797 can be significant, particularly for sectors relying on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 Extended Lifecycle Support and using GIMP for image processing tasks. The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, data corruption, or disruption of services if exploited. Organizations in media, design, education, and government sectors that use GIMP to process images may face risks of targeted attacks via malicious image files. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users may open files from untrusted sources such as email attachments or downloads. The potential for privilege escalation could allow attackers to gain higher-level access on affected systems, increasing the threat to organizational networks. Additionally, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that exploitation could compromise critical data and disrupt business operations. European organizations must consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and incident response planning, particularly those with legacy systems still running RHEL 7 ELS and using GIMP.

To mitigate CVE-2025-48797, European organizations should take several specific steps beyond generic patching advice: 1) Apply any available security updates or patches from Red Hat or GIMP maintainers immediately once released, as this will directly address the heap overflow flaw. 2) Implement strict file handling policies restricting the opening of TGA files from untrusted or unknown sources, including blocking or quarantining such files at email gateways and endpoint security solutions. 3) Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited image files, emphasizing caution with TGA files in particular. 4) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques for GIMP to limit the potential impact of exploitation, preventing code execution beyond the application context. 5) Monitor system logs and application behavior for signs of crashes or anomalous activity related to GIMP usage, enabling early detection of exploitation attempts. 6) Consider upgrading affected systems to newer supported operating system versions or alternative image processing tools if patching is delayed or not feasible. 7) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools capable of identifying heap overflow exploitation techniques to enhance detection capabilities. These targeted mitigations will reduce the attack surface and limit the potential damage from this vulnerability.