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CVE-2021-45463: load_cache in GEGL before 0.4.34 allows shell expansion when a pathname in a constructed command line is no...

load_cache in GEGL before 0.4.34 allows shell expansion when a pathname in a constructed command line is not escaped or filtered. This is caused by use of the system library function for execution of the ImageMagick convert fallback in magick-load. NOTE: GEGL releases before 0.4.34 are used in GIMP releases before 2.10.30; however, this does not imply that GIMP builds enable the vulnerable feature.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

GEGL versions before 0.4.34 can pass an unescaped pathname into a constructed command line when using an ImageMagick convert fallback. If an attacker can influence that pathname and the vulnerable feature is enabled, shell expansion could occur. GIMP before 2.10.30 included older GEGL, but the CVE notes affected GIMP builds may not enable the feature.

Executive priority

Treat as a targeted remediation item for endpoints or services that process images, not a broad emergency from the supplied evidence. Prioritize systems accepting untrusted files or filenames, and confirm whether vulnerable GEGL functionality is enabled before escalating.

Technical view

The issue is in GEGL load_cache, within magick-load’s ImageMagick convert fallback. The CVE describes missing escaping or filtering of a pathname before execution through a system library function. Fixed GEGL is 0.4.34 or later. The supplied sources do not provide CVSS, CWE, detailed exploit prerequisites, or proof of active exploitation.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most plausible on systems with GEGL before 0.4.34, including some GIMP releases before 2.10.30, where magick-load’s convert fallback is present and enabled. The source bundle warns not all GIMP builds enable the vulnerable feature.

Exploitation context

No KEV listing or cited source in the bundle indicates active exploitation. Practical risk depends on whether an attacker can supply crafted pathnames to a vulnerable GEGL processing path that invokes the ImageMagick convert fallback.

Researcher notes

The key uncertainty is reachability. The CVE links older GEGL and GIMP versions but explicitly limits inference about GIMP build exposure. Research should focus on package configuration, feature enablement, and whether untrusted pathnames can reach magick-load’s convert fallback.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade GEGL to 0.4.34 or a vendor-patched package.
  • Update GIMP to 2.10.30 or later where GIMP bundles affected GEGL.
  • Check Fedora, Debian, and vendor advisories for package-specific fixed versions.
  • Avoid processing untrusted image paths with vulnerable builds until remediated.
  • Verify whether the ImageMagick convert fallback is enabled before relying on exposure assumptions.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory installed GEGL and GIMP versions across workstations, servers, and image-processing hosts.
  • Confirm whether GEGL magick-load and the convert fallback are packaged and enabled.
  • Review workflows that process untrusted images or user-controlled filenames.
  • Check package manager advisory status for fixed GEGL builds.
  • Document exceptions where GIMP includes older GEGL but the vulnerable feature is not enabled.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
10

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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