CVE-2026-18298 GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

High 7.8 Published 20 Aug 2026 Updated 27 Aug 2026

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PNG files processed by GStreamer.

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-2026-18298?

CVE-2026-18298 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in Gstreamer Gstreamer, published on 20 Aug 2026. 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

GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the parsing of PNG files. 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. Was ZDI-CAN-29581.

Weakness: CWE-122

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-18298?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Gstreamer Gstreamer.

How do I fix CVE-2026-18298?

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-2026-18298 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-18298 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Gstreamer Gstreamer vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2026-18298, ECHO-fe63-8107-63ce, GHSA-5gr2-2c8f-ph26, MINI-p729-gp9c-w3c5, ROOT-OS-DEBIAN-13-CVE-2026-18298, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-18298.