CVE-2026-2049 GIMP HDR File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious HDR files in GIMP due to a heap-based buffer overflow.
- 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-2026-2049?
CVE-2026-2049 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in GIMP, published on 10 Jun 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
GIMP HDR File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GIMP. 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 HDR 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-28618.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-2049?
Linux distribution packages (5)
gegl SUSE:Linux Enterprise Module for Package Hub 15 SP7 | All versions | 0.4.46-150600.4.8.2 |
gegl SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5-LTSS | All versions | 0.2.0-15.14.2 |
gegl SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server LTSS Extended Security 12 SP5 | All versions | 0.2.0-15.14.2 |
gegl SUSE:Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension 15 SP7 | All versions | 0.3.34-150000.3.9.1 |
gegl SUSE:Linux Enterprise Workstation Extension 15 SP7 | All versions | 0.4.46-150600.4.8.2 |
How do I fix CVE-2026-2049?
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-2026-2049 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-2049 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2026-2049, GHSA-m2vh-q87q-6r5q, SUSE-SU-2026:1479-1, SUSE-SU-2026:1481-1, SUSE-SU-2026:1496-1, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-2049.