Description
GIMP HDR File Parsing Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GIMP. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the parsing of HDR files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in an integer overflow before allocating a buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-29289.
Published: 2026-08-20
Score: 7.8 High
EPSS: n/a
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

An integer overflow exists in GIMP’s HDR file parser due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data. The overflow can occur when an attacker prepares a crafted HDR file that causes the program to allocate an incorrectly sized buffer, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the GIMP process. The flaw is a classic buffer overflow vulnerability identified by CWE‑190. The impact includes full compromise of the user’s system if the attacker successfully installs malicious payloads.

Affected Systems

The affected product is GIMP, distributed by the GIMP project. No specific version numbers are listed in the advisory; however, the issue resides in the HDR parsing functionality and may affect all releases that lack the patch demonstrated in the linked commit.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score is 7.8, indicating a high severity. The EPSS score is not available, so the likelihood of real‑world exploitation is uncertain, but a known exploitation reference (ZDI-CAN‑29289) suggests if an attacker can deliver a malicious HDR file the vulnerability can be abused. The vulnerability requires user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link or opening a file, and is not listed in CISA’s KEV catalog. The attack vector is remote but requires active user engagement. The exploitation conditions are simple and do not demand complex prerequisites beyond delivering the file to a GIMP user.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 20:10 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Install the latest GIMP release that includes the HDR parsing fix referenced in the commit hash d3d262008299341c5b032b354021632ceadb2799.
  • Avoid opening HDR files from untrusted or unknown sources until a patch is applied.
  • Configure user alerts to notify when GIMP downloads or opens HDR files, and consider disabling HDR support in the preferences if feasible until the patch is deployed.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 20, 2026 at 20:10 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories yet.

History

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Gimp
Gimp gimp
Vendors & Products Gimp
Gimp gimp

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description GIMP HDR File Parsing Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GIMP. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of HDR files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in an integer overflow before allocating a buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-29289.
Title GIMP HDR File Parsing Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Weaknesses CWE-190
References
Metrics cvssV3_0

{'score': 7.8, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H'}


cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: zdi

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-20T16:22:54.633Z

Reserved: 2026-07-29T17:12:15.401Z

Link: CVE-2026-18300

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-08-20T17:17:26.890

Modified: 2026-08-20T17:17:26.890

Link: CVE-2026-18300

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-20T20:15:04Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-190

    Integer Overflow or Wraparound