# CVE-2026-112261: GIMP use-after-free in XCF path loader

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-112261-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-opening-a-crafted-xcf-that-selects-a  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-19. Updated: 2026-10-19  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-112261 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-10-19

GIMP is an image editing application used to create and manipulate graphics. A specially crafted image file (XCF format) can trigger a memory safety flaw that crashes the application and potentially allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the user's computer when the file is opened.

Technologies: [Gimp](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/gimp). Vendors: [Gimp](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/gimp).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-112261 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-112261 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-112261?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 19 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Gimp 2.99.14 and later up to at least 2026-10-19.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-112261?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Avoid opening untrusted XCF files in GIMP. If GIMP is not in use, consider removing the package.</anigation>
<parameter name="timeline">[{"kind":"disclosed","at":"2026-10-19"}] If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-112261 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-112261?** Check whether you run Gimp at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix


Avoid opening untrusted XCF files in GIMP. If GIMP is not in use, consider removing the package.</anigation>
<parameter name="timeline">[{"kind":"disclosed","at":"2026-10-19"}]

## Technical details

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in GIMP's XCF file loader in the path selection handling (PROP_SELECTED_PATH), present in versions from approximately 2.99.14 (2022-10) onwards. The flaw is triggered when opening a crafted XCF file that selects a path that subsequently fails to load, leaving a dangling pointer. This is a local attack vector requiring user interaction (opening a malicious file) with no privileges required, and can lead to crash, information disclosure, or code execution.

## Affected products

- GIMP GIMP 2.99.14 and later up to at least 2026-10-19

## References

- [https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/](https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/)
- [https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-112261](https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-112261)

## Related threats

- [GIMP use-after-free in XCF loader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-112258-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-the-xcf-loader-can-leave-a-dangling)
- [GIMP integer overflow in file-pvr plug-in](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-62439-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-an-integer-overflow-occurs-in-the-file)
- [GIMP heap buffer overflow in raw data export](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106066-a-heap-based-buffer-overflow-was-found-in-gimp-s-raw-data-export)
- [GIMP heap buffer overflow in GIF export](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106064-a-heap-based-buffer-overflow-was-found-in-gimp-s-gif-export-plug)
- [GIMP heap buffer overflow in DDS loader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106062-a-heap-based-buffer-overflow-was-found-in-gimp-s-directdraw)