CVE-2015-0848

What it actually does

Heap-based buffer overflow triggered when processing a crafted BMP image in libwmf 0.2.8.4, enabling memory corruption that can lead to application crash or arbitrary code execution.

Why it matters to the business

Systems or applications that render or convert images using the affected library may crash or be compromised when handling untrusted image files, disrupting workflows and exposing hosts to potential attacker control.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker creates a specially crafted BMP image designed to overflow a heap buffer inside libwmf, then delivers the file through common vectors such as email attachments, web downloads, or document embeds; when a vulnerable application opens or previews the image, the overflow occurs and allows the attacker to crash the process or inject and execute arbitrary code.

How to fix it

Upgrade libwmf to a version containing the fix for the BMP parsing buffer handling; if no newer package is available for the platform, replace the library with an unaffected alternative or disable BMP processing in dependent applications.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify the installed libwmf version is newer than 0.2.8.4 and test by attempting to open a known-triggering BMP sample in applications that use the library; confirm absence of crashes or unexpected memory behavior.

Typical attack path

1. Craft malicious BMP image that triggers heap overflow in libwmf
2. Deliver image to target via email, web page, or document
3. Victim application or service processes the image with libwmf
4. Buffer overflow corrupts memory leading to crash or code execution
5. Attacker gains foothold or causes denial of service

How to detect it

Search application and system logs for crashes or segmentation faults occurring during BMP image processing; inspect any available core dumps or stack traces that reference libwmf BMP parsing functions.

What your security team should do

• Identify all systems and applications that depend on libwmf and prioritize upgrade or removal
• Block or filter untrusted BMP images at email gateways and web proxies until patched
• Monitor for application crashes involving image processing libraries
• Review and restrict use of legacy image libraries in production environments