CVE-2026-3283 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability found in libvips version 8.19.0, a popular open-source image processing library used in various applications and services. The vulnerability is located in the function vips_extract_band_build within the source file libvips/conversion/extract.c. It occurs due to improper validation or handling of the extract_band argument, which leads to reading memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This flaw can be exploited by a local attacker with limited privileges (local access required) to read sensitive memory contents, potentially exposing confidential information. The attack does not require user interaction or elevated privileges beyond local access, and it does not affect the integrity or availability of the system. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.8 score, reflecting a medium severity level primarily due to the local attack vector and limited impact scope. The patch for this vulnerability is identified by the commit hash 24795bb3d19d84f7b6f5ed86451ad556c8f2fe70 and addresses the bounds checking issue to prevent out-of-bounds reads. While no known exploits are currently active in the wild, the public disclosure of the vulnerability increases the risk of exploitation attempts. Systems running libvips 8.19.0 should apply the patch promptly to mitigate the risk. Given libvips’ widespread use in image processing pipelines, web services, and desktop applications, this vulnerability could be relevant in diverse environments where local users or processes might attempt to exploit it.

The primary impact of CVE-2026-3283 is unauthorized disclosure of information due to out-of-bounds memory reads. Although it does not allow code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service, the exposure of memory contents can reveal sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential information residing in memory. Organizations relying on libvips 8.19.0 in multi-user environments or shared systems face increased risk if local users or compromised accounts attempt to exploit this vulnerability. The requirement for local access limits remote exploitation, but insider threats or attackers who have gained limited system access could leverage this flaw for reconnaissance or further attacks. The vulnerability could also be chained with other exploits to escalate privileges or bypass security controls. In environments where libvips is embedded in web services or automated image processing workflows, the impact depends on how local access is controlled and whether untrusted users can influence the extract_band argument. Overall, the impact is medium severity but should not be underestimated in sensitive or high-security contexts.

To mitigate CVE-2026-3283, organizations should immediately apply the official patch identified by commit 24795bb3d19d84f7b6f5ed86451ad556c8f2fe70 to update libvips from version 8.19.0 to a fixed version. If patching is not immediately possible, restrict local access to systems running vulnerable libvips versions by enforcing strict user permissions and access controls. Employ application whitelisting and monitoring to detect unusual local activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Review and harden the configuration of services using libvips to minimize exposure of the vulnerable function, especially in multi-tenant or shared environments. Additionally, conduct memory access and boundary checking audits in custom code interfacing with libvips to prevent similar issues. Implement comprehensive logging and alerting for suspicious local operations involving image processing tasks. Finally, maintain an up-to-date inventory of software dependencies to quickly identify and remediate vulnerable versions.