# CVE-2026-18305: GIMP TIF file parsing integer overflow

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18305-gimp-tif-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-2026-18305 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-08-20

GIMP is a popular open-source image editor used by designers and photographers to create and manipulate images. An integer overflow vulnerability in GIMP's TIF file parsing allows attackers to execute arbitrary code if a user opens a maliciously crafted TIF image file. Exploitation could result in complete system compromise, including theft of sensitive work or credentials stored on the affected user's computer.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-18305 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-18305 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-18305?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 20 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** GNOME GIMP <UNKNOWN>.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-18305?** A patch was published on 2026-07-29: Patch released; fix available at gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/0a45a2b51b877829ef523131b50c0eb2a933b8a1 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-18305 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-18305?** 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

This vulnerability is an integer overflow in GIMP's TIF (Tagged Image File) parsing routine. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied data in TIF file headers, allowing an integer overflow during buffer allocation. When a victim opens a maliciously crafted TIF file, the overflow is triggered before memory is allocated for image data, enabling an attacker to write arbitrary code to memory. Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious file) but does not require authentication or elevated privileges. GIMP has issued a patch available on their GitLab repository.

## Affected products

- GNOME GIMP <UNKNOWN>

## Timeline

- 2026-04-17: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2026-07-29: patched: Patch released; fix available at gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/0a45a2b51b877829ef523131b50c0eb2a933b8a1
- 2026-07-29: advisory: Coordinated public release of advisory ZDI-26-458

## References

- [https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/0a45a2b51b877829ef523131b50c0eb2a933b8a1](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/0a45a2b51b877829ef523131b50c0eb2a933b8a1)
- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-458/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-458/)

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- [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)
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- [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)