CVE-2026-2048 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2026
GIMP XWD File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write 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 specific flaw exists within the parsing of XWD files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-28591.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2026
The CVE-2026-2048 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in the GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP that enables remote code execution through malicious XWD file parsing. This vulnerability resides in the image format handling subsystem where GIMP fails to properly validate user-supplied data during XWD file interpretation, creating a dangerous buffer overflow condition that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses situations where software writes data past the boundaries of allocated buffers. The security implications are severe as this flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the GIMP process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when GIMP processes a specially crafted XWD file that contains malformed data structures. During the parsing operation, the application fails to validate the size parameters or boundaries of the XWD file header fields, leading to a scenario where memory writes extend beyond the allocated buffer space. This buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited effectively, as victims must open the malicious XWD file through GIMP, making it a targeted attack vector rather than a fully automated exploit. This user interaction requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution which emphasizes the need for user engagement in delivering malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially execute commands with the same privileges as the GIMP process, which typically runs with the permissions of the logged-in user. This presents a significant risk in environments where users may have elevated privileges or where GIMP is used in professional workflows involving sensitive data processing. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can deliver malicious XWD files through various vectors including web-based attacks, email attachments, or file sharing platforms without requiring local access to the target system. Organizations using GIMP for image processing, graphic design, or digital art creation face particular risk as these applications are frequently used in creative workflows where users may encounter untrusted image files from various sources. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that GIMP is widely distributed across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, making it a broad attack surface for potential exploitation. Security professionals should consider implementing network-based mitigations such as file type filtering and content validation for XWD files, while also ensuring that users receive regular updates to patch this vulnerability. The ZDI-CAN-28591 reference indicates that this vulnerability was identified through coordinated disclosure efforts, highlighting the importance of vulnerability research and responsible disclosure practices in identifying and addressing such critical flaws in widely-used software applications.