ZDI-26-455: GIMP TIF File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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-2026-18302.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-18302 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in GIMP affecting the parsing of TIF files. The flaw is due to insufficient validation of the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a heap buffer, which can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted malicious TIF file. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H). GIMP has released an update that fixes this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running GIMP. This can lead to full compromise of the affected system. The attack requires user interaction (opening a malicious TIF file).
Mitigation Recommendations
GIMP has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Users should apply the update promptly to remediate the issue. No additional mitigations are specified or required beyond applying the official fix.
ZDI-26-455: GIMP TIF File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
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-2026-18302.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-18302 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in GIMP affecting the parsing of TIF files. The flaw is due to insufficient validation of the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a heap buffer, which can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted malicious TIF file. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8 (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H). GIMP has released an update that fixes this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running GIMP. This can lead to full compromise of the affected system. The attack requires user interaction (opening a malicious TIF file).
Mitigation Recommendations
GIMP has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Users should apply the update promptly to remediate the issue. No additional mitigations are specified or required beyond applying the official fix.
Technical Details
- Article Source
- {"url":"http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-455/","fetched":true,"fetchedAt":"2026-07-30T15:56:55.124Z","wordCount":207}
- Exploit Sophistication
- 6
- Weaponization Potential
- 5
- Stealth Capability
- 6
- Ai Analysis Type
- exploit-specialized
Threat ID: 6a6b74c89c2644c7f84cc4cc
Added to database: 07/30/2026, 15:59:04 UTC
Last enriched: 07/30/2026, 16:11:20 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 14:47:42 UTC
Views: 13
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
External Links
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.