CVE-2025-6199 is a vulnerability discovered in the GIF image parser component of GdkPixbuf, specifically within its LZW decompression algorithm. When the decoder encounters an invalid symbol during the decompression process, it incorrectly sets the reported output size to the full buffer length rather than the actual number of bytes written. This logic error causes uninitialized sections of the buffer to be included in the output image data. As a result, arbitrary memory contents from the process memory space may be leaked through the processed image output. The vulnerability is present in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, which uses GdkPixbuf for image processing. The flaw requires local access and user interaction, as an attacker must supply a crafted GIF image to a vulnerable application that uses GdkPixbuf for image rendering or processing. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to limited impact on confidentiality, no impact on integrity or availability, and the requirement for user interaction and local access. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no patches have yet been linked, though monitoring for updates from Red Hat is essential. This vulnerability primarily risks information disclosure by leaking potentially sensitive memory contents, which could include fragments of other data processed by the application or system memory. However, the scope is limited to the memory accessible by the vulnerable process, and exploitation does not allow code execution or system compromise.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-6199 is the potential leakage of sensitive information through crafted GIF images processed by vulnerable applications on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 systems. This could expose fragments of memory that might contain confidential data, such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or proprietary information, depending on the memory layout and usage of the affected process. Although the vulnerability does not allow remote code execution or denial of service, the confidentiality breach could aid attackers in further reconnaissance or targeted attacks. Organizations in sectors handling sensitive data—such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure—may face increased risk if attackers leverage this flaw to gather intelligence. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits the attack surface, but insider threats or social engineering attacks could exploit this vulnerability. Given the widespread use of Red Hat Enterprise Linux in enterprise environments across Europe, especially in server and workstation deployments, the vulnerability could affect many organizations if unpatched. However, the low severity and absence of known exploits reduce the immediate risk level.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigation measures: 1) Monitor Red Hat security advisories closely for patches addressing CVE-2025-6199 and apply updates promptly once available. 2) Restrict processing of untrusted or unauthenticated GIF images in applications using GdkPixbuf, especially in environments where local users may be untrusted. 3) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the impact of processing potentially malicious image files. 4) Conduct internal audits to identify systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 with GdkPixbuf and assess exposure. 5) Educate users on the risks of opening untrusted image files and implement policies to reduce social engineering risks. 6) Use memory protection and address space layout randomization (ASLR) features to reduce the likelihood that leaked memory contents are useful to attackers. 7) Consider alternative image processing libraries or updated versions if available and compatible. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling image input sources, user behavior, and system hardening specific to the vulnerability context.