CVE-2026-44637: libsixel: integer overflow in parser

Published May 14, 2026
·
Updated

libsixel is a SIXEL encoder/decoder implementation derived from kmiya's sixel. From to 1.8.7-r1, a signed integer overflow in the SIXEL parser's image-buffer doubling loop can lead to an out-of-bounds heap write in sixeldecoderawimpl. context->posx grows by repeatcount on every sixel character with no upper bound check. Once posx approaches INTMAX, the expression "posx + repeatcount" used to size the image buffer overflows signed int. Depending on how the overflow wraps, the resize check that should reject oversized buffers can be bypassed, after which a subsequent write computes a large attacker-influenced offset into image->data and writes past the allocation. Reachable from any caller that decodes attacker-supplied SIXEL data, including img2sixel. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.8.7-r2.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Libsixel libsixel<=1.8.7-r1
saitoha libsixel>=0.11.0<1.8.7-r2

Event History

May 14, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:02 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:02 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·08:17 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-44637?

CVE-2026-44637 has a medium severity rating due to the potential for an out-of-bounds heap write.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-44637?

To mitigate CVE-2026-44637, upgrade libsixel to version 1.8.8 or later where the vulnerability is addressed.

3

What causes the vulnerability CVE-2026-44637?

The vulnerability CVE-2026-44637 is caused by a signed integer overflow in the SIXEL parser's image-buffer doubling loop.

4

Which versions of libsixel are affected by CVE-2026-44637?

Libsixel versions up to and including 1.8.7-r1 are affected by CVE-2026-44637.

5

What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-44637?

The potential impacts of CVE-2026-44637 include memory corruption and possible execution of arbitrary code.

Contact

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