ZDI-26-453: GIMP HDR File Parsing Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Jul 29, 2026
·
Updated

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 user-supplied data, which can result in an integer overflow before allocating a buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.

Other sources

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 ZDI has assigned a CVSS rating of 7.8. The following CVEs are assigned: CVE-2026-18300.

ZDI

Affected Software

2 affected components
GIMP
GIMP GIMP

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Compensating control

    As user interaction is required, prevent or limit users from opening untrusted HDR files (e.g., block opening files from untrusted locations) to mitigate exploitation of the GIMP HDR file parsing integer overflow.

Event History

Jul 29, 2026
Advisory Published
via ZDI·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Advisory Published
via ZDI·05:00 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of ZDI-26-453?

ZDI-26-453 has a CVSS rating of 7.8, indicating a high severity level.

2

How do I fix ZDI-26-453?

To mitigate ZDI-26-453, update GIMP to the latest version available from the official source.

3

What type of vulnerability is ZDI-26-453?

ZDI-26-453 is an integer overflow vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution.

4

What software is affected by ZDI-26-453?

GIMP is the software affected by the ZDI-26-453 vulnerability.

5

What is required for an attacker to exploit ZDI-26-453?

User interaction is required, as the target must either visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

Contact

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