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CVE-2026-52492 libtiff CVE debrief

CVE-2026-52492 is a high-severity vulnerability in the libtiff library, which can lead to a heap-based buffer overflow when processing crafted TIFF images. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8 and is classified as HIGH. It was published on 2026-08-24T21:17:19.927Z and last modified on 2026-09-09T16:03:22.897Z. Defenders responsible for systems that process TIFF images, particularly those using the libtiff library, should assess exposure and prioritize patching or mitigation to prevent potential heap-based buffer overflows. The vulnerability is caused by an integer overflow in the libtiff rgb2ycbcr utility's cvtRaster() function, which can result in an undersized heap buffer. A

Vendor
libtiff
Product
libtiff
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-08-24
Original CVE updated
2026-09-09
Advisory published
2026-08-24
Advisory updated
2026-09-09

Who should care

Defenders responsible for systems that process TIFF images, particularly those using the libtiff library, should assess exposure and prioritize patching or mitigation to prevent potential heap-based buffer overflows.

Why it matters

CVE-2026-52492 is a high-severity vulnerability in the libtiff library, potentially leading to heap-based buffer overflow when processing crafted TIFF images. Defenders responsible for systems that process TIFF images should assess exposure and prioritize patching or mitigation.

  • Potential heap-based buffer overflow during YCbCr conversion of crafted TIFF images
  • Possible system crashes or instability due to buffer overflow
  • Potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by an integer overflow in the libtiff rgb2ycbcr utility's cvtRaster() function, which can result in an undersized heap allocation and subsequent heap-based buffer overflow during YCbCr conversion of a crafted TIFF image. This occurs when computing strip buffer sizes. The libtiff library's handling of TIFF images is impacted, particularly in systems that process such images.

Defensive priority

Defenders should prioritize patching or mitigating this vulnerability, especially in systems that process TIFF images, to prevent potential heap-based buffer overflows.

Recommended defensive actions

  • Patch or update libtiff to the latest version
  • Implement input validation and sanitization for TIFF images
  • Monitor systems for suspicious TIFF image processing activity

Evidence notes

The vulnerability is caused by an integer overflow in the libtiff rgb2ycbcr utility's cvtRaster() function, which can result in an undersized heap allocation and subsequent heap-based buffer overflow during YCbCr conversion of a crafted TIFF image. The CVE Program and NVD provide official records and assessments of the vulnerability.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-52492 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-52492

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

  • CVE-2026-52492 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-52492

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

Supplemental references

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.