This vulnerability involves code injection through the Process_mrld function in Exiftool's handling of certain media file formats. The flaw is triggered by manipulating the -ee argument, enabling local attackers with low privileges to execute injected code. The vulnerability affects all versions from 13.0 through 13.53. The vendor has released version 13.54 containing a patch that mitigates this issue. The patch was applied to the source code with a note indicating the fix is precautionary. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 4.8, reflecting medium severity with local attack vector and low complexity.

Successful exploitation allows local attackers with low privileges to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the Exiftool process. This could lead to unauthorized code execution on affected systems. However, exploitation requires local access and no user interaction. There are no reports of active exploitation in the wild.

Upgrade Exiftool to version 13.54 or later to apply the official patch (commit 5a8b6b6ead12b39e3f32f978a4efd0233facbb01) that addresses this vulnerability. Since the vulnerability requires local access, restricting local user permissions and access can reduce risk. Patch status is confirmed by the vendor's release of version 13.54.