Description
FFmpeg 2.1 through 9.0.2 contains a use of uninitialized resource vulnerability in the PCX decoder that allows attackers to leak heap memory through truncated RLE scanlines. Attackers can craft a PCX image whose RLE data ends early, causing pcx_decode_frame() to copy uninitialized av_malloc() buffer contents into visible decoded pixels.
Published: 2026-11-01
Score: 6.8 Medium
EPSS: n/a
KEV: No
Impact: Information disclosure
Action: Apply update
AI Analysis

Impact

A vulnerability in FFmpeg 2.1 through 9.0.2 allows attackers to leak heap memory through the PCX decoder. Uninitialized memory from an av_malloc() buffer is copied into decoded pixels when a truncated RLE scanline is encountered, giving out data that should not be visible. The leak can reveal sensitive information, such as credentials or cryptographic keys, that are present in the process memory. The weakness is a use of an uninitialized resource (CWE-908).

Affected Systems

Affected versions are FFmpeg 2.1 through 9.0.2. Any installation of these releases that uses the PCX decoder is vulnerable.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 6.8 indicates a medium severity. The EPSS score is not available, and the vulnerability is not listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Attackers can exploit the flaw by providing a specially crafted PCX file, which can be distributed locally or potentially delivered to a remote service that processes images. The exploit only leaks data, so it does not provide code execution, but it can compromise confidentiality. The risk level is moderate but mitigation is recommended.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on November 1, 2026 at 02:24 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Update FFmpeg to a release that includes the PCX decoder fix, such as 9.0.3 or later.
  • If an upgrade is not immediately possible, restrict or validate PCX files before decoding, rejecting any file with truncated RLE data.
  • Monitor usage of the PCX decoder and consider disabling PCX support if it is not needed.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on November 1, 2026 at 02:24 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

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History

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description FFmpeg 2.1 through 9.0.2 contains a use of uninitialized resource vulnerability in the PCX decoder that allows attackers to leak heap memory through truncated RLE scanlines. Attackers can craft a PCX image whose RLE data ends early, causing pcx_decode_frame() to copy uninitialized av_malloc() buffer contents into visible decoded pixels.
Title FFmpeg 2.1 through 9.0.2 Uninitialized Memory Leak via PCX Decoder
First Time appeared Ffmpeg
Ffmpeg ffmpeg
Weaknesses CWE-908
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:ffmpeg:ffmpeg:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Ffmpeg
Ffmpeg ffmpeg
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N'}

cvssV4_0

{'score': 6.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N'}

Subscriptions

Ffmpeg Ffmpeg
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: VulnCheck

Published:

Updated: 2026-11-01T00:57:10.036Z

Reserved: 2026-10-31T22:05:57.768Z

Link: CVE-2026-120244

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-11-01T01:17:17.787

Modified: 2026-11-01T01:17:17.787

Link: CVE-2026-120244

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-11-01T02:45:10Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-908

    Use of Uninitialized Resource