CVE-2020-35524 Memory corruption in libtiff

High 7.8 Published Updated

A heap-based buffer overflow in libtiff's TIFF2PDF tool allows arbitrary code execution via a crafted TIFF file.

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-2020-35524?

CVE-2020-35524 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Debian Debian Linux, published on 9 Mar 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 heap-based buffer overflow flaw was found in libtiff in the handling of TIFF images in libtiff's TIFF2PDF tool. A specially crafted TIFF file can lead to arbitrary code execution. The highest threat from this vulnerability is to confidentiality, integrity, as well as system availability.

Weakness: CWE-787

Which versions are affected by CVE-2020-35524?

It affects 5 products.

Products include Debian Debian Linux, Fedoraproject Fedora, Libtiff Libtiff, Netapp Ontap Select Deploy Administration Utility, Redhat Enterprise Linux.

How do I fix CVE-2020-35524?

Upgrade to a fixed version.

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

Is CVE-2020-35524 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2020-35524 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Debian Debian Linux vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2020-35524, AZL-6655, DEBIAN-CVE-2020-35524, GHSA-7xc8-4h5p-pc25, JLSEC-2025-258, UBUNTU-CVE-2020-35524.

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