CVE-2025-12840: Academy Software Foundation OpenEXR · Heap-based Buffer Overflow
Affects Academy Software Foundation OpenEXRSource CVE Database V5
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 7.8 High.
Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 8% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 23 Dec 2025
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-25.
What to do
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Software Foundation OpenEXR | Affected
| Fixed in– |
AI-suggested
1. Immediately restrict the opening or processing of EXR files from untrusted or unknown sources to reduce exposure. 2. Implement strict file validation and sandboxing for applications that handle EXR files to contain potential exploitation. 3. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process spawning or memory corruption indicators. 4. Educate users in affected organizations about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious EXR files, emphasizing caution with email attachments and downloads. 5. Monitor vendor communications closely and apply official patches or updates as soon as they become available. 6. Consider using application whitelisting or restricting execution privileges for processes that handle EXR files to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 7. Review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving exploitation of media processing libraries.
Description
CVE-2025-12840 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the Academy Software Foundation's OpenEXR library version 3.4.0. The flaw arises from improper validation of user-supplied data length during EXR file parsing, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code if a user opens a malicious file or visits a malicious page. Exploitation requires user interaction but no privileges or authentication. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a CVSS score of 7.8. There are no known exploits in the wild yet, and no patches have been released at the time of reporting. European organizations using OpenEXR in media, visual effects, or related industries face risks of remote code execution and potential system compromise. Mitigation involves restricting untrusted EXR file sources, monitoring for suspicious file activity, and applying vendor patches once available.