CVE-2020-26664 Memory corruption in n/a

High 7.8 Published 8 Jan 2021 Updated 8 Oct 2026

Attackers can trigger a heap-based buffer overflow in VLC media player via a crafted MKV file, potentially leading to code execution or crashes.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2020-26664?

CVE-2020-26664 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Debian Debian Linux, published on 8 Jan 2021. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

A vulnerability in EbmlTypeDispatcher::send in VideoLAN VLC media player 3.0.11 allows attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow via a crafted .mkv file.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2020-26664?

It affects 2 products.

Linux distribution packages (2)

`vlc` SUSE:Package Hub 15 SP2	All versions	`3.0.13-bp152.2.12.1`
`vlc` openSUSE:Leap 15.2	All versions	`3.0.13-lp152.2.12.1`

Products include Debian Debian Linux, Videolan Vlc Media Player.

How do I fix CVE-2020-26664?

Apply the vendor's patch.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-2020-26664 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2020-26664 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Debian Debian Linux vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2020-26664, DLA-3050-1, GHSA-fv8f-3437-pw9x, UBUNTU-CVE-2020-26664, openSUSE-SU-2021:0691-1, openSUSE-SU-2021:0714-1.