CVE-2025-6035 identifies an integer overflow vulnerability in the GIMP image manipulation program, specifically within the Despeckle plug-in. The vulnerability stems from unchecked multiplication of image parameters—width, height, and bytes-per-pixel (img_bpp)—which can cause the calculated size for memory allocation to wrap around or overflow. This results in allocating less memory than required, leading to out-of-bounds memory writes when the plug-in processes image data. Such memory corruption can cause heap corruption, which may manifest as application crashes (denial of service) or, in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution if exploited carefully. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems where GIMP is installed, as this distribution includes the vulnerable plug-in. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.6, with vector AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:H, indicating local attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring low privileges, no user interaction, unchanged scope, and low confidentiality and integrity impact but high availability impact. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The flaw requires an attacker to have local access to the system and the ability to invoke the vulnerable plug-in, limiting remote exploitation potential. However, in environments where users have access to run GIMP, this vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt services or escalate privileges via code execution.

For European organizations, the primary impact is potential denial of service on systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 with GIMP installed, which could disrupt workflows dependent on image processing. In certain scenarios, the vulnerability could be exploited for arbitrary code execution, posing risks to system integrity and confidentiality. This is particularly concerning for sectors like media, design, scientific research, and government agencies that utilize GIMP for image editing. The requirement for local access and low privileges means insider threats or compromised accounts could leverage this vulnerability. The availability impact is rated high, as heap corruption can crash applications or destabilize systems. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are lower but non-negligible if code execution is achieved. Given that Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 is an older platform, organizations still using it may face increased risk due to limited vendor support and patch availability. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge.

Organizations should prioritize patching affected GIMP versions once updates addressing CVE-2025-6035 are released by Red Hat or the GIMP project. Until patches are available, restrict access to systems running vulnerable GIMP plug-ins, especially limiting user permissions to prevent unauthorized execution. Employ application whitelisting to control execution of GIMP and its plug-ins. Monitor local user activity for unusual invocation of image processing tools. Consider disabling or removing the Despeckle plug-in if it is not essential to operations. For environments with high security requirements, migrate from Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 to a supported, updated platform to reduce exposure to legacy vulnerabilities. Implement strict local user account management and auditing to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, use memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and stack canaries to mitigate exploitation impact.