CVE-2025-6035 is an integer overflow vulnerability identified in the GIMP image processing software, specifically within the "Despeckle" plug-in. This vulnerability arises from unchecked multiplication of image dimensions—width, height, and bytes-per-pixel (img_bpp)—which can cause an integer overflow or wraparound. When this occurs, the program may allocate insufficient memory for image processing operations. Subsequent operations that assume adequate memory allocation can lead to out-of-bounds writes on the heap. Such heap corruption can destabilize the application, potentially causing denial of service (DoS) conditions or, in more severe cases, arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability affects Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems where this version of GIMP is installed. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.6 (medium severity), reflecting a local attack vector requiring low privileges and no user interaction, with limited confidentiality and integrity impact but high availability impact. Exploitation does not require user interaction but does require local access with some privileges. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The flaw is particularly relevant for environments processing untrusted image files using the vulnerable plug-in, as crafted images could trigger the overflow. Given the age of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, this vulnerability may affect legacy systems still in operation, especially in industrial or specialized environments where GIMP is used for image processing tasks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-6035 can be significant in sectors relying on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 and GIMP for image processing, such as media, design, scientific research, and certain industrial applications. The vulnerability could allow local attackers or malicious insiders to cause application crashes leading to denial of service, disrupting workflows and potentially causing operational downtime. More critically, if exploited for arbitrary code execution, attackers could escalate privileges or execute malicious code, compromising system integrity and confidentiality. This risk is heightened in environments where image files are received from untrusted sources or automated processing pipelines exist. Although the vulnerability requires local access with some privileges, compromised user accounts or insider threats could leverage this flaw to deepen system compromise. The medium CVSS score reflects moderate risk, but the potential for availability disruption and code execution warrants attention. European organizations with legacy infrastructure or those slow to patch may be particularly vulnerable. Additionally, sectors with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) must consider the confidentiality and integrity risks posed by potential exploitation.

1. Apply official patches or updates from Red Hat as soon as they become available to address the integer overflow in the GIMP Despeckle plug-in. 2. If patches are not yet available, consider disabling or removing the vulnerable Despeckle plug-in from GIMP installations on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 systems to prevent exploitation. 3. Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable versions of GIMP, enforcing strict user privilege management and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. 4. Implement application whitelisting and runtime protection to detect and prevent abnormal behavior or memory corruption exploits related to GIMP processes. 5. Conduct regular audits of legacy systems to identify outdated software versions and prioritize their upgrade or replacement, reducing exposure to known vulnerabilities. 6. Employ network segmentation and isolation for systems handling untrusted image files to limit the spread of potential compromise. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of processing untrusted image files and enforce strict file validation policies. 8. Monitor system logs and security alerts for signs of exploitation attempts targeting GIMP or related processes.