CVE-2026-33018: libsixel: Use-After-Free in load_gif()
libsixel is a SIXEL encoder/decoder implementation derived from kmiya's sixel. Versions 1.8.7 and prior contain a Use-After-Free vulnerability via the loadgif() function in fromgif.c, where a single sixelframet object is reused across all frames of an animated GIF and gifinitframe() unconditionally frees and reallocates frame->pixels between frames without consulting the object's reference count. Because the public API explicitly provides sixelframeref() to retain a frame and sixelframegetpixels() to access the raw pixel buffer, a callback following this documented usage pattern will hold a dangling pointer after the second frame is decoded, resulting in a heap use-after-free confirmed by ASAN. Any application using sixelhelperloadimagefile() with a multi-frame callback to process user-supplied animated GIFs is affected, with a reliable crash as the minimum impact and potential for code execution. This issue has been fixed in version 1.8.7-r1.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
libsixelto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.8.7-r1
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-33018?
CVE-2026-33018 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to the potential for exploitation through a Use-After-Free condition.
How do I fix CVE-2026-33018?
To fix CVE-2026-33018, upgrade to libsixel version 1.8.8 or later, which addresses the Use-After-Free vulnerability.
What software versions are affected by CVE-2026-33018?
CVE-2026-33018 affects libsixel versions 1.8.7 and prior.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-33018?
CVE-2026-33018 is a Use-After-Free vulnerability found in the load_gif() function of libsixel.
Who is the vendor for CVE-2026-33018?
The vendor for CVE-2026-33018 is Saitoha, which develops the libsixel software.