# CVE-2026-18300: GIMP HDR file parsing integer overflow

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18300-gimp-hdr-file-parsing-integer-overflow  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-20. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-18300 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-08-20

GIMP is a widely-used image editing application. This vulnerability exists in GIMP's HDR (High Dynamic Range) image file parser and can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user's computer when they open a malicious HDR file. An attacker could gain full control of the affected system and access sensitive data.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-18300 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-18300 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-18300?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 20 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** GIMP GIMP.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-18300?** A patch was published on 2026-07-29: GIMP issued an update; coordinated public release of advisory Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-18300 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-18300?** Check whether you run Gimp. 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.

## Technical details

The vulnerability is an integer overflow in GIMP's HDR file parsing logic, specifically in how the application validates and processes user-supplied data before allocating buffers. The flaw exists in the parsing of HDR files and results from insufficient validation of input data, leading to an integer overflow that can cause a buffer to be allocated with an incorrect size. The attack vector is local with user interaction required—a target must open a malicious HDR file. An attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary code in the context of GIMP's process. GIMP has released a patch addressing this issue, as documented in the upstream GEGL repository commit.

## Affected products

- GIMP GIMP

## Timeline

- 2026-04-17: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2026-07-29: patched: GIMP issued an update; coordinated public release of advisory
- 2026-07-29: advisory: ZDI-26-453 advisory published

## References

- [https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gegl/-/commit/d3d262008299341c5b032b354021632ceadb2799](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gegl/-/commit/d3d262008299341c5b032b354021632ceadb2799)
- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-453/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-453/)

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