CVE-2026-92248 in GIMP
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2026
A flaw was found in the file-psd plugin in GIMP. When generating a thumbnail preview for a specially crafted PSD (Photoshop Document) image file, an integer overflow occurs during the multiplication of values from an embedded JPEG header. This leads to an undersized heap allocation, resulting in a heap-based buffer overflow when the image data is decoded. This buffer overflow corrupts adjacent heap objects, allowing for a controlled memory write that can result in an application crash or arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2026
The vulnerability identified within the file-psd plugin of GIMP represents a critical security flaw rooted in improper input validation and arithmetic error handling during image processing operations. Specifically, when the application attempts to generate a thumbnail preview for a maliciously crafted PSD (Photoshop Document) file, it processes embedded JPEG header data without adequate bounds checking or overflow protection. The core technical issue is an integer overflow that occurs during the multiplication of values extracted from this embedded JPEG header. In many programming languages and environments, when arithmetic operations exceed the maximum value representable by a specific integer type, the result wraps around to a much smaller number rather than triggering an error. This mathematical anomaly leads directly to an undersized heap allocation because the application allocates memory based on the wrapped-around, erroneously small size rather than the actual required buffer capacity needed for decoding the image data.
Once the insufficiently sized heap buffer is allocated, the subsequent step of decoding and writing the image data into this buffer results in a classic heap-based buffer overflow. As the decoder writes more bytes than the allocated space can hold, it overwrites adjacent memory regions on the heap. This corruption affects neighboring objects stored in the same memory pool, potentially altering their metadata or content. Because modern operating systems employ various memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP), exploiting this vulnerability requires precise control over the overwritten data to bypass these defenses. However, a controlled heap overflow provides an attacker with significant leverage, allowing them to manipulate function pointers or object headers within the corrupted adjacent objects.
The operational impact of this flaw is severe, ranging from denial-of-service conditions to full system compromise. If exploited successfully for a crash, it results in a denial-of-service by terminating the GIMP application abruptly, which can disrupt workflows and cause data loss if unsaved work is involved. More critically, because the vulnerability allows for arbitrary memory writes through controlled heap corruption, an attacker could potentially achieve remote code execution. By carefully crafting the input file to overwrite specific pointers with addresses pointing to shellcode or existing executable libraries within the application's address space, a malicious actor can execute commands at the same privilege level as the user running GIMP. This transforms what might appear as a simple image viewing vulnerability into a potent vector for system infiltration.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns closely with CWE-190 Integer Overflow or Wraparound and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The exploitation technique leverages heap corruption to achieve arbitrary code execution, which maps to ATT&CK techniques such as Taint Analysis for identifying the source of untrusted input (the crafted PSD file) and potentially Memory Corruption if specific gadget chains are utilized during exploitation. To mitigate this risk, users should ensure that GIMP is updated to a version where the integer overflow in the file-psd plugin has been patched with proper validation checks before allocation occurs. Additionally, organizations deploying GIMP in shared or public-facing environments should consider running it within sandboxed containers or restricted user accounts to limit the potential blast radius of any successful exploitation attempt. Regularly updating dependencies and employing static analysis tools during software development can also help identify similar arithmetic vulnerabilities early in the lifecycle.