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CVE-2026-4152 GIMP CVE debrief

CVE-2026-4152 is a high-severity vulnerability in GIMP, a popular open-source image editing software. The vulnerability is caused by a heap-based buffer overflow in the JP2 file parsing functionality. This flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GIMP. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, as the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8 and is classified as HIGH severity.

Vendor
GIMP
Product
Unknown
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-04-11
Original CVE updated
2026-07-15
Advisory published
2026-04-11
Advisory updated
2026-07-15

Who should care

This vulnerability affects users of GIMP, particularly those who handle image files from untrusted sources. Organizations using GIMP in their workflows, especially in graphic design, digital art, and photo editing, should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent potential code execution attacks.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists within the parsing of JP2 files in GIMP. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. The vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) and has been tracked as ZDI-CAN-28863.

Defensive priority

High priority should be given to patching this vulnerability, as it allows for remote code execution with user interaction. GIMP users should update to the latest version that includes the security patch.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Apply the official patch from GIMP to fix the JP2 file parsing vulnerability.
  • Limit user access to GIMP and restrict opening files from untrusted sources.
  • Implement additional security measures, such as sandboxing or restricting file types that can be opened in GIMP.
  • Monitor GIMP installations for any suspicious activity or attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
  • Keep GIMP and related software up-to-date with the latest security patches.

Evidence notes

The CVE-2026-4152 vulnerability was disclosed by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) and has been tracked as ZDI-CAN-28863. The vulnerability affects GIMP installations and allows for remote code execution via a malicious JP2 file. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-4152 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-4152

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

  • CVE-2026-4152 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-4152

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

Supplemental references

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/f64c9c23ba3c37dc7b875a9fb477c23953b4666e

    [email protected] - Patch

  • Mitigation or vendor reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-219/

    [email protected] - Third Party Advisory

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:16484

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:19362

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:20691

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:25899

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

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:25901

    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.