Worker hang via stalled sample-duration loop
Published May 19, 2026 · Updated May 19, 2026
Infinite loop in libheif 1.21.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to hang image-processing workers via a crafted HEIF sequence file. Box_stts::get_sample_duration() never increments its entry index; a zero sample_count also leaves sample_idx unchanged, so parsing never exits. Any application that opens the file can lose a worker indefinitely while the process remains alive and consumes a CPU core.
Summary
What happened
Infinite loop in libheif 1.21.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to hang image-processing workers via a crafted HEIF sequence file. Box_stts::get_sample_duration() never increments its entry index; a zero sample_count also leaves sample_idx unchanged, so parsing never exits. Any application that opens the file can lose a worker indefinitely while the process remains alive and consumes a CPU core.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-32739
- Published
- May 19, 2026
- Updated
- May 19, 2026
- Vendor
- Struktur AG
- Product
- libheif
- Classifications
- CWE-835, T1499.004
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- unauthenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- May 19, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- May 19, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=< 1.22.0
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- GHSA crafted stts sequence PoCproof of concept · demonstrated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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