CVE-2026-51807
Summary
by MITRE • 07/15/2026
Buffer Overflow vulnerability in OpenHTJ2K v.0.18.4 and before allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via the j2k_precinct_subband::parse_packet_header() in source/core/coding/coding_units.cpp
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2026
This buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the OpenHTJ2K library version 0.18.4 and earlier releases, presenting a critical security risk that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw is specifically located in the j2k_precinct_subband::parse_packet_header() function within the source/core/coding/coding_units.cpp file, making it a core component of the library's packet processing mechanism. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and bounds checking during the parsing of JPEG 2000 packet headers, which are essential for decompressing image data in this implementation.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient space is allocated for data, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. Attackers can craft malicious JPEG 2000 files with specially constructed packet headers that exceed the allocated buffer space during parsing operations. This allows them to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the normal decompression process of image files, making exploitation possible through routine file processing activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain full control over affected systems running applications that utilize OpenHTJ2K for image processing, including medical imaging systems, digital photography applications, or any software handling JPEG 2000 formatted content. The attack surface is broad given the widespread use of JPEG 2000 in professional imaging applications and the library's integration into various software platforms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching to version 0.18.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at the application level, such as restricting file types and implementing strict size limits for incoming JPEG 2000 files. Network-level protections including content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers may leverage buffer overflows to execute malicious code through compromised applications. Regular security audits and static code analysis should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the software supply chain, particularly in libraries handling binary data parsing operations.