# CVE-2026-18302: GIMP TIF file parsing heap buffer overflow

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18302-gimp-tif-file-parsing-heap-buffer-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-2026-18302 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-08-20

GIMP is a widely-used open-source image editor that processes many file formats including TIF files. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user's system if they open a malicious TIF file, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or malware installation.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-18302 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-18302 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-18302?** 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-2026-18302?** A patch was published on 2026-07-29: Update available Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-18302 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-18302?** 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

A heap-based buffer overflow exists in GIMP's TIF file parser due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data length before copying it to a heap buffer. The vulnerability is triggered when a specially crafted TIF file is opened, and requires user interaction (the user must open the malicious file). An attacker can leverage this to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the GIMP process. A patch has been made available via the GIMP GitLab repository.

## Affected products

- GIMP GIMP

## Timeline

- 2026-04-17: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2026-07-29: advisory: Coordinated public release of advisory
- 2026-07-29: patched: Update available

## References

- [https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/77e1a11636fae53c922fe92273b8f4e33c7a9176](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/77e1a11636fae53c922fe92273b8f4e33c7a9176)
- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-455/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-455/)

## Related threats

- [GIMP use-after-free in XCF path loader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-112261-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-opening-a-crafted-xcf-that-selects-a)
- [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)