Heap Out-of-Bounds Read in Gdk-Pixbuf via Malicious ICNS File

Publication date: 2026-09-08

Last updated on: 2026-09-14

Assigner: redhat-SADP

Description

A flaw was found in gdk-pixbuf. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to cause a heap out-of-bounds read by providing a specially crafted Apple Icon Image (.icns) file. The uncompress() function, which handles RLE-encoded ICNS icon data, fails to validate the source buffer's boundaries during decompression. This can lead to a denial of service, where the application crashes, or to information disclosure, potentially revealing sensitive data from adjacent memory.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-09-08

Last Modified

2026-09-14

Generated

2026-09-29

AI Q&A

2026-09-09

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-27

NVD

CVE-2026-18090

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
gnome	gdk-pixbuf	*

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-125	The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a heap out-of-bounds read flaw in gdk-pixbuf. It occurs when processing specially crafted Apple Icon Image (.icns) files. The uncompress() function mishandles RLE-encoded ICNS data by not validating buffer boundaries during decompression. This can crash the application or leak sensitive memory data.

Impact Analysis

The impact includes application crashes leading to denial of service. It may also expose sensitive data from adjacent memory, potentially including user information or other confidential data processed by the application.

Mitigation Strategies

Update gdk-pixbuf to the latest patched version to address the heap out-of-bounds read issue in the uncompress() function handling ICNS files. Avoid opening untrusted Apple Icon Image files until the update is applied.

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