CVE-2026-6695 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2026
A flaw was found in GIMP. A remote attacker could exploit this by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted PAA (Paint Shop Pro Array) image file. This vulnerability, a heap-based out-of-bounds write in the decode_lzss() function of the PAA file format plugin, allows data to be written beyond the intended memory buffer. This could lead to heap metadata corruption and potentially enable the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2026
This vulnerability exists within the GIMP image processing software, specifically within its Paint Shop Pro Array file format plugin implementation. The flaw manifests as a heap-based out-of-bounds write condition that occurs during the decoding process of PAA files through the decode_lzss() function. Such vulnerabilities represent a critical class of memory safety issues that can fundamentally compromise system security and stability.
The technical execution path involves a remote attacker crafting a malicious PAA image file designed to trigger the vulnerable code path when processed by GIMP. When a user inadvertently opens this specially crafted file, the decode_lzss() function fails to properly validate buffer boundaries during decompression operations, allowing data to be written beyond allocated heap memory regions. This out-of-bounds write condition directly violates fundamental memory safety principles and creates opportunities for heap metadata corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the heap corruption can potentially be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the GIMP process. Attackers exploiting this weakness could gain unauthorized control over affected systems, particularly when users regularly process images from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability significantly broadens its attack surface and makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with external image content.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write within the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, representing a classic heap-based buffer overflow scenario. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through software exploitation, potentially enabling an attacker to move laterally within compromised systems or establish persistent access through code execution capabilities. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch application, user education regarding file source verification, and implementation of strict file format validation policies that prevent automatic processing of untrusted image files from unknown sources.
The broader implications for image processing software security highlight the critical importance of memory safety in multimedia handling components. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign file format parsing operations can become gateways for sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation and rigorous code review processes in security-critical applications that handle external data formats.