ZDI-26-462: GIMP APNG 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 APNG 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-2026-18309.

ZDI

Affected Software

2 affected components
GIMP GIMP
GIMP GIMP

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade GIMP to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch ZDI-26-462
  2. Compensating control

    Since user interaction is required (victim must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file), restrict or warn against opening untrusted APNG files and browsing to untrusted pages to reduce exposure to this GIMP APNG parsing issue.

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-26-462?

The severity of ZDI-26-462 is rated as 7.8 on the CVSS scale.

2

How do I fix ZDI-26-462?

To fix ZDI-26-462, users should update GIMP to the latest version released by the developers.

3

Who is affected by ZDI-26-462?

Users of GIMP who open malicious APNG files or visit malicious webpages are affected by ZDI-26-462.

4

What type of vulnerability is ZDI-26-462?

ZDI-26-462 is an integer overflow vulnerability that allows remote code execution.

5

What is the exploit requirement for ZDI-26-462?

Exploitation of ZDI-26-462 requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious page.

Contact

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