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CVE-2026-2050 GIMP CVE debrief

CVE-2026-2050 is a Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in GIMP's HDR file parsing functionality. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GIMP, requiring user interaction to exploit. The issue arises from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data length before copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this to execute code in the context of the current process. This vulnerability was reported as ZDI-CAN-28266.

Vendor
GIMP
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-06-24
Original CVE updated
2026-09-09
Advisory published
2026-06-24
Advisory updated
2026-09-09

Who should care

Organizations and individuals using GIMP, especially those handling HDR files from untrusted sources, should prioritize patching this vulnerability. Given the HIGH CVSS score of 7.8, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Users of GIMP should ensure they are running a version that has addressed this issue to prevent potential code execution.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists within the HDR file parsing functionality of GIMP. Specifically, it results from inadequate validation of user-supplied data length before it is copied to a heap-based buffer. This oversight allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected GIMP installations. The attack requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file. The CVSS vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating Local attack vector, Low attack complexity, No privileges required, and User interaction required.

Defensive priority

High. Immediate patching is recommended due to the HIGH CVSS severity and the potential for remote code execution.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the official patch or update provided by GIMP to address the HDR file parsing vulnerability.
  • Restrict the opening of HDR files from untrusted sources until the patch is applied.
  • Implement additional monitoring for suspicious HDR file handling activities.
  • Ensure user education on the risks of opening files from untrusted sources.
  • Consider implementing compensating controls such as file type restrictions or additional security layers for HDR file processing.

Evidence notes

The CVE-2026-2050 vulnerability details were obtained from the NVD and CVE.org. The vulnerability was reported by ZDI and addressed by GIMP. The CVSS score and vector were provided by NVD. Additional references include Red Hat's security advisories and bugzilla entries.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-2050 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-2050

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-2050 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-2050

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gegl/-/merge_requests/241

    [email protected] - Issue Tracking

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-282/

    [email protected] - Third Party Advisory

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-2050

    0b0ca135-0b70-47e7-9f44-1890c2a1c46c

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-2050.json

    0b0ca135-0b70-47e7-9f44-1890c2a1c46c

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.