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Full vulnerability report · 2026
CVE-2026-42169High confidence

Gimp: gimp apng loader heap-buffer-overflow when fctl width exceeds ihdr width (file-png.c)

Red Hat · Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9

Official source article: Red Hat RHSA-2026:50817 ↗. Check the applicable product and release in the original source.

7.3HighCVSS 3.1
Recommended action
Within 7 days

High technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.

Patch available
R
Operational reassessment

Published severity in operational context

Open reassessment dashboard →
Published severityHighOperational priority:Medium, lowered one band.downgradedsince 30 Sep 2026

Evidence used

  • No CISA KEV confirmation is currently recorded.
  • Exploitation requires an existing local or physical foothold with privileges.
  • EPSS is 0.13% for the current model date.

Compensating controls

  • Validate the affected product branch and deploy the verified fixed release.
  • Restrict local access and enforce least privilege on affected hosts.
  • Monitor vendor guidance and exploitation sources for a material change.

Verification

  1. Confirm that the asset runs Red Hat Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 and falls inside the recorded affected range.
  2. Verify the installed build against the product-specific fixed version after deployment.
  3. Validate exposure, authentication requirements and compensating controls in the actual environment.
  4. Reopen this reassessment when CVSS, KEV, EPSS, exploit evidence or remediation changes.
Mitigation target: As exposure requiresRemediation target: Within 365 days

This automated reassessment organises public evidence. It does not know asset exposure, business impact or control effectiveness and does not replace CVSS or a human risk decision.

Distribution package intelligence

Release-specific package status

Debian, ubuntu findings are scoped to the named distribution, release and source package. An absent finding does not mean a package is unaffected.

5 package states
Repository candidate not checked

A published vendor fix does not prove that a matching update is enabled and installable on a particular asset. Confirm the local package candidate before scheduling remediation.

Distribution releaseSource packageVendor stateFixed versionEvidence
Debian trixietrixie · sourcegimpNot affectedDebian marks this release not affected (fixed-version marker 0).Not published in this feedDebian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian bookwormbookworm · sourcegimpNot affectedDebian marks this release not affected (fixed-version marker 0).Not published in this feedDebian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian forkyforky · sourcegimpVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.3.2.4-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Debian sidsid · sourcegimpVendor fix publishedDebian records a fixed source-package version for this release.3.2.4-1Debian Security Tracker ↗Source updated 6 Oct 2026
Ubuntu 24.04 LTSnoble · esm-appsgimpUnder evaluationCanonical reports that the package might be affected and still needs evaluation or fixing.Not published in this feedCanonical Ubuntu Security ↗Source updated 5 Oct 2026
Direct vendor intelligence

Authoritative vendor CSAF and VEX advisories

Structured product status and remediation from the issuing vendor. Product-state explanations are always visible; large lists can be searched or downloaded.

2 current
CVE-2026-42169 · CSAF 2.0 · revision 4 · interimSUSE Product Security TeamCVE-2026-42169
26 known not affected

The vendor explicitly states that these products are not affected by this CVE.

  • gimp as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP7
  • gimp-devel as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP7
  • gimp-lang as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP7
  • libgimp-2_0-0 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP7
  • libgimpui-2_0-0 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 15 SP7
  • gimp as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP7
  • gimp-devel as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP7
  • gimp-lang as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP7
  • gimp-plugin-aa as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP7
  • libgimp-2_0-0 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP7
  • libgimpui-2_0-0 as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP7
  • gimp as component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP7
Summary
A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability exists in the APNG (Animated PNG) file loader of GIMP. This flaw occurs when the `fcTL` width exceeds the `IHDR` width, leading to pixel data being written past the end of a heap allocation. Additionally, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the DDS plug-in due to a BPP mismatch in the `load_layer()` function. Both vulnerabilities can be triggered by opening a specially crafted image file, potentially leading to code execution.
Remediation
To install this SUSE Security Update use the SUSE recommended installation methods like YaST online_update or "zypper patch".
CVE-2026-42169 · CSAF 2.0 · revision 3 · finalRed Hat Product Securitygimp: GIMP APNG loader heap-buffer-overflow when fcTL width exceeds IHDR width (file-png.c)
54 fixed

The vendor explicitly identifies these products or versions as containing the fix.

  • gimp-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.s390x as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.src as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-debuginfo-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-debuginfo-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.i686 as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-debuginfo-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.ppc64le as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-debuginfo-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.s390x as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-debuginfo-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.x86_64 as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-debugsource-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.aarch64 as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
  • gimp-debugsource-2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20.i686 as a component of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AppStream EUS (v.9.6)
Summary
A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability exists in the APNG (Animated PNG) file loader of GIMP. This flaw occurs when the `fcTL` width exceeds the `IHDR` width, leading to pixel data being written past the end of a heap allocation. Additionally, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the DDS plug-in due to a BPP mismatch in the `load_layer()` function. Both vulnerabilities can be triggered by opening a specially crafted image file, potentially leading to code execution.
Remediation
For details on how to apply this update, which includes the changes described in this advisory, refer to: https://access.redhat.com/articles/11258
Optional official sources

National CERT insights
?CERT means Computer Emergency Response Team; CSIRT is the closely related term Computer Security Incident Response Team.

Choose official national sources for this report. Each advisory shows its original language. Your selection is remembered on this device and included in shared links.

Official European source

ENISA European Vulnerability Database

Official EUVD identifiers, advisory evidence and known-exploited context. Missing fields are not treated as evidence of low risk.

1 current
ENISA EUVD identifier

EUVD-2026-52573

No EUVD known-exploited evidence

A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability exists in the APNG (Animated PNG) file loader of GIMP. This flaw occurs when the `fcTL` width exceeds the `IHDR` width, leading to pixel data being written past the end of a heap allocation. Additionally, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the DDS plug-in due to a BPP mismatch in the `load_layer()` function. Both vulnerabilities can be triggered by opening a specially crafted image file, potentially leading to code execution.

EUVD state
Present in the current official mapping
Known exploitation
Not present in the current ENISA EUVD known-exploited dataset. This is not proof of no exploitation.
ENISA score
7.3 · CVSS 3.1
Advisory evidence
No linked advisory details stored yet
Recommended actionWithin 7 days

High technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.

Patch available
01

What, why and how

A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability exists in the APNG (Animated PNG) file loader of GIMP. This flaw occurs when the `fcTL` width exceeds the `IHDR` width, leading to pixel data being written past the end of a heap allocation. Additionally, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the DDS plug-in due to a BPP mismatch in the `load_layer()` function. Both vulnerabilities can be triggered by opening a specially crafted image file, potentially leading to code execution.

What

A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability exists in the APNG (Animated PNG) file loader of GIMP. This flaw occurs when the `fcTL` width exceeds the `IHDR` width, leading to pixel data being written past the end of a heap allocation. Additionally, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the DDS plug-in due to a BPP mismatch in the `load_layer()` function. Both vulnerabilities can be triggered by opening a specially crafted image file, potentially leading to code execution.

Why

The product does not correctly calculate the size to be used when allocating a buffer, which could lead to a buffer overflow.

How

An attacker operating through local access may attempt exploitation with low privileges. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.

What

A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability exists in the APNG (Animated PNG) file loader of GIMP. This flaw occurs when the `fcTL` width exceeds the `IHDR` width, leading to pixel data being written past the end of a heap allocation. Additionally, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the DDS plug-in due to a BPP mismatch in the `load_layer()` function. Both vulnerabilities can be triggered by opening a specially crafted image file, potentially leading to code execution.

Why

The product does not correctly calculate the size to be used when allocating a buffer, which could lead to a buffer overflow.

How

An attacker operating through local access may attempt exploitation with low privileges. If successful, the issue may cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor.

02

Exploit reality and attack path

CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.

Observed exploitation
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
No confirmed evidence

No CISA KEV match was present at the last successful refresh. This means no confirmation from that source, not proof of no exploitation.

Public PoC / exploit material
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
None recorded

No exploit-tagged reference or CISA SSVC proof-of-concept state is currently recorded. Research may still exist outside the structured feeds.

Likely attack path
local access → Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size → cause the confidentiality, integrity or availability impact described by the vendor
Attack surface
Local
Privileges required
Low: a basic authenticated account is required
User interaction
Required interaction required
Attack complexity
Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
Security boundary
Unchanged: impact remains within the vulnerable component's security authority
Weakness
?CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness.
CWE-131 ↗

CWE-131: Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size. The product does not correctly calculate the size to be used when allocating a buffer, which could lead to a buffer overflow.

CVSS vector
?CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Common Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.

AVLocalAttack vector: The attacker needs local access to the vulnerable system.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRLowPrivileges required: The attacker needs basic user-level privileges.UIRequiredUser interaction: Another user must perform an action for exploitation to succeed.SUnchangedScope: The security impact remains within the vulnerable component's authority.CHighConfidentiality impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.IHighIntegrity impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.AHighAvailability impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.
Post-exploitation / living off the land
The issue can support a local privilege or sandbox boundary transition; normal system utilities may then be available in the gained context.
CWE-131
A

Official authority intelligence

Only matched European and national findings are included. Language selectors and unavailable sources are omitted.

ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2026-52573Official EUVD mapping

A heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability exists in the APNG (Animated PNG) file loader of GIMP. This flaw occurs when the `fcTL` width exceeds the `IHDR` width, leading to pixel data being written past the end of a heap allocation. Additionally, a heap-based buffer overflow exists in the DDS plug-in due to a BPP mismatch in the `load_layer()` function. Both vulnerabilities can be triggered by opening a specially crafted image file, potentially leading to code execution.

Official EUVD record ↗
Cyber Security Agency of Singapore · English · CSA-SB-20260805Security Bulletin 5 Aug 2026

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore included this CVE in its official Security Bulletin 5 Aug 2026, published on 5 August 2026. Open the linked bulletin for the product, severity and reference information published in that issue.

Official advisory ↗
JVN iPedia · Japanese · JVNDB-2026-036333レッドハットのRed Hat Enterprise Linux等の複数製品におけるバッファサイズの計算の誤りに関する脆弱性

GIMPのAPNG（アニメーションPNG）ファイルローダーにヒープバッファオーバーフローの脆弱性があります。この欠陥は、`fcTL`の幅が`IHDR`の幅を超えた場合に発生し、ヒープ割り当ての末尾を超えてピクセルデータが書き込まれる可能性があります。さらに、DDSプラグインの`load_layer()`関数において、BPPの不一致によりヒープベースのバッファオーバーフローが生じます。これらの両方の脆弱性は、細工された画像ファイルを開くことで引き起こされ、コード実行につながる可能性があります。

Official advisory ↗
03

Patch and workaround

Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.

Status
?Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Patch available
Affected
Fixed
Action
To install this SUSE Security Update use the SUSE recommended installation methods like YaST online_update or "zypper patch".
Workaround
No verified workaround is recorded. Limit untrusted access and use least privilege until authoritative guidance is available.
04

Evidence and provenance

Published 4 Aug 2026 · Last source change 30 Sept 2026, 14:52 UTC · CWE-131 · Incorrect Calculation of Buffer Size

CVE recordCVE.org · 5.2
CVSS sourceCNA
EPSS source
?The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.
FIRST · tracked since 2026-08-14
European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2026-52573
Product sourceCNA
Remediation sourceVendor CSAF · SUSE Product Security Team
CWE sourceCNA
NVD statusNVD enriched

Missing structured fields: affected versions. Missing data is not evidence of low risk; review the primary advisory.

Material change intelligence

What changed after publication

View recent updates ↗
  1. Vendor guidanceAuthoritative vendor guidance changed: added vendor advisory: access.redhat.com/CVE-2026-42169; added vendor advisory: bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2461725.
    Before
    remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:50817
    After
    remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:50817 · vendor advisory: access.redhat.com/CVE-2026-42169 · vendor advisory: bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2461725
    secalert@redhat.com ↗
  2. Vendor guidanceAuthoritative vendor guidance changed: added remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:50817; removed remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768; removed vendor advisory: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768.
    Before
    remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768 · vendor advisory: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768
    After
    remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:50817
    CNA ↗
  3. Vendor guidanceAuthoritative vendor guidance changed: added remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768; added vendor advisory: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768; removed remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:50817.
    Before
    remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:50817
    After
    remediation: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768 · vendor advisory: access.redhat.com/RHSA-2026:73768
    access.redhat.com ↗
  4. Affected versionsThe structured affected or fixed version information changed.
    Before
    See the vendor and CVE records for the affected range. · Fixed: 2:3.0.4-4.el9_8.9 < *
    After
    See the vendor and CVE records for the affected range. · Fixed: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9: 2:3.0.4-4.el9_8.9 < *; Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.6 Extended Update Support: 2:2.99.8-4.el9_6.20 < *
    CNA ↗
Material fields only · duplicate refreshes suppressed · history retained for the configured operational retention period
CVE published
Fixed release or patch reference recorded
ENISA EUVD · EUVD-2026-52573↗Vendor CSAF · SUSE Product Security Team↗Vendor advisory↗Vendor advisory↗CVE authority or vendor reference · Red Hat RHSA-2026:50817↗Official CVE record (CNA and ADP data)↗NVD record↗
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
EPSS
Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
CWE
Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
CNA
CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
CISA ADP
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
NVD
National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
CERT / CSIRT
A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
PoC
Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
CSAF
Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
LoTL
Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.
Free version - for non-commercial use only.CVE-2026-42169 · cve.blacktree.nl