CVE-2026-32741: libheif has a heap buffer overflow in decode_mask_image()

Published May 19, 2026
·
Updated

Last updated 19 June 2026

Other sources

libheif is a HEIF and AVIF file format decoder and encoder. Versions 1.21.2 and below contain a heap buffer overflow in MaskImageCodec::decodemaskimage(). When decoding a HEIF file containing a mask image (mski), the function copies the full iloc extent data into a pixel buffer using memcpy(dst, data.data(), data.size()). The copy length data.size() is determined by the iloc extent in the file (attacker-controlled), while the destination buffer is sized based on the declared image dimensions. Because no upper-bound check exists on the data length, a crafted file whose iloc extent exceeds the pixel buffer allocation overflows the heap. The vulnerable single-memcpy branch is reached when the mskC property specifies bitsperpixel = 8 and the ispe property declares an even width ≥ 64 (so that stride == width), with no changes to default security limits or external codec plugins required. This issue has been fixed in version 1.22.0.

NVD

Affected Software

2 affected components
libheif libheif<=1.21.2
debian/libheif<=1.11.0-1, <=1.11.0-1+deb11u2, <=1.15.1-1+deb12u1, <=1.19.8-1, <=1.21.2-4

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade libheif to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.22.0
  2. Compensating control

    If you cannot upgrade yet, restrict decoding of untrusted HEIF/AVIF mask images (mski) to reduce exposure to MaskImageCodec::decode_mask_image() heap buffer overflow reachable via crafted iloc extents.

Event History

May 19, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·07:57 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·07:57 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·09:02 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·09:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Jun 18, 2026
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·06:48 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via Debian·06:48 PM
DescriptionAffected Software
Jun 19, 2026
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·06:48 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-32741?

The severity of CVE-2026-32741 is high with a CVSS score of 7.1.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-32741?

To fix CVE-2026-32741, upgrade to libheif version 1.22.0 or later.

3

What is CVE-2026-32741 about?

CVE-2026-32741 describes a heap buffer overflow in the libheif library's decode_mask_image function.

4

What versions of libheif are affected by CVE-2026-32741?

Libheif versions 1.21.2 and below are affected by CVE-2026-32741.

5

What could happen if CVE-2026-32741 is exploited?

If exploited, CVE-2026-32741 could lead to arbitrary code execution due to a heap buffer overflow.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203