ZDI-26-466: GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. 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-2026-18298.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-18298 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in GStreamer's PNG file parser. The vulnerability results from insufficient validation of the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a heap buffer, enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious PNG file or visiting a malicious webpage. 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). GStreamer has released an update to fix this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the GStreamer process. This can lead to full compromise of the affected system or application. The attack requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious PNG file or visiting a malicious webpage. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated high.
Mitigation Recommendations
GStreamer has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Users and administrators should apply the update promptly to remediate the issue. No additional mitigation steps are indicated by the vendor advisory.
ZDI-26-466: GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Description
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. 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-2026-18298.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-18298 is a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in GStreamer's PNG file parser. The vulnerability results from insufficient validation of the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a heap buffer, enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious PNG file or visiting a malicious webpage. 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). GStreamer has released an update to fix this vulnerability.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the GStreamer process. This can lead to full compromise of the affected system or application. The attack requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious PNG file or visiting a malicious webpage. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated high.
Mitigation Recommendations
GStreamer has issued an official update that corrects this vulnerability. Users and administrators should apply the update promptly to remediate the issue. No additional mitigation steps are indicated by the vendor advisory.
Technical Details
- Article Source
- {"url":"http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-466/","fetched":true,"fetchedAt":"2026-07-30T15:56:32.101Z","wordCount":207}
- Classification
- {"confidence":0.95,"severitySource":"cvss-text","classifier":"rss-v2"}
Threat ID: 6a6b74c69c2644c7f84cc4a1
Added to database: 07/30/2026, 15:59:02 UTC
Last enriched: 08/15/2026, 05:17:30 UTC
Last updated: 09/12/2026, 10:01:29 UTC
Views: 51
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.