Code execution via image loader heap overflows
Published Aug 4, 2026 · Updated Aug 4, 2026
Heap buffer overflows in GIMP on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 allow local users to execute code via crafted APNG or DDS images. The APNG loader trusts an fcTL width larger than the IHDR width and writes pixels past its heap allocation, while the DDS plug-in load_layer() uses a mismatched bits-per-pixel value to size its buffer. Exploitation requires an affected user to open an untrusted image, after which code executes with that user's privileges or the application crashes.
Summary
What happened
Heap buffer overflows in GIMP on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 allow local users to execute code via crafted APNG or DDS images. The APNG loader trusts an fcTL width larger than the IHDR width and writes pixels past its heap allocation, while the DDS plug-in load_layer() uses a mismatched bits-per-pixel value to size its buffer. Exploitation requires an affected user to open an untrusted image, after which code executes with that user's privileges or the application crashes.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-42169
- Published
- Aug 4, 2026
- Updated
- Aug 4, 2026
- Vendor
- 389 Directory Server
- Product
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9
- Classifications
- CWE-131, T1204.002, T1203
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Aug 4, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Aug 4, 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?
Affected versions are unavailable in this record. Check the vendor advisory for version and patch details.
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
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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