python-pillow Pillow up to 12.x src/PIL/TarIO.py TarIO resource consumption

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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4.1$0-$5k2.29

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in python-pillow Pillow up to 12.x. This issue affects the function TarIO of the file src/PIL/TarIO.py. Such manipulation leads to resource consumption. This vulnerability is referenced as CVE-2026-96642. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available. You should upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in python-pillow Pillow up to 12.x. Affected by this issue is the function TarIO of the file src/PIL/TarIO.py. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a resource consumption vulnerability. Using CWE to declare the problem leads to CWE-400. The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource, thereby enabling an actor to influence the amount of resources consumed, eventually leading to the exhaustion of available resources. Impacted is availability. CVE summarizes:

Pillow is a Python imaging library. Prior to 13.0.0, the TarIO initializer in src/PIL/TarIO.py accepts a negative octal member size and computes a backward seek that returns to the same 512-byte header. When the requested member name does not match, the parser repeatedly reads that header, consumes a full CPU core, and never returns. TarIO is reached only when an application directly uses PIL.TarIO.TarIO rather than the default Image.open() path. This issue is fixed in version 13.0.0.

The advisory is shared for download at github.com. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2026-96642 since 09/23/2026. The exploitation is known to be easy. The attack may be launched remotely. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available. The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1499.

Upgrading to version 13.0.0 eliminates this vulnerability.

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Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CNA CVSS-B Score: 🔒
CNA CVSS-BT Score: 🔒
CNA Vector: 🔒

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 4.3
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 4.1

VulDB Base Score: 4.3
VulDB Temp Score: 4.1
VulDB Vector: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔒
VulDB Temp Score: 🔒
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Resource consumption
CWE: CWE-400 / CWE-404
CAPEC: 🔒
ATT&CK: 🔒

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔒
Status: Not defined
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔒

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔒

Upgrade: Pillow 13.0.0

Timelineinfo

09/23/2026 CVE reserved
10/21/2026 +28 days Advisory disclosed
10/21/2026 +0 days VulDB entry created
10/21/2026 +0 days VulDB entry last update

Sourcesinfo

Product: github.com

Advisory: github.com
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-2026-96642 (🔒)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2026-96642
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-425000

Entryinfo

Created: 10/21/2026 23:04
Changes: 10/21/2026 23:04 (69)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

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