# CVE-2026-18307: GIMP heap-based buffer overflow in TIF file parsing

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-18307-gimp-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-tif-file-parsing  
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-2026-18307 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-08-20

GIMP is a widely-used image editing application. A heap-based buffer overflow in GIMP's TIF file parser allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a user's computer if the user opens a malicious TIF image file. This could lead to complete system compromise, including data theft, malware installation, and loss of confidentiality and integrity.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-18307 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-18307 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-18307?** 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-2026-18307?** A patch was published on 2026-07-29: GIMP issued an update; patch available via GitLab commit bace3e7fd54104fe6b70c1703e9b982a4770811d Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-18307 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-18307?** 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 a classic heap-based buffer overflow in GIMP's TIF file parsing code. The root cause is insufficient validation of user-supplied data length before copying it to a heap-allocated buffer. An attacker can craft a malicious TIF file with oversized data fields to trigger the overflow. Attack vector is local/user interaction: the target must open the malicious TIF file. An authenticated attacker or external attacker can exploit this to execute arbitrary code in the context of GIMP's process. A patch has been released by GIMP; details are available in the referenced GitLab commit.

## 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: GIMP issued an update; patch available via GitLab commit bace3e7fd54104fe6b70c1703e9b982a4770811d

## References

- [https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/bace3e7fd54104fe6b70c1703e9b982a4770811d](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp/-/commit/bace3e7fd54104fe6b70c1703e9b982a4770811d)
- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-460/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-460/)

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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 GIF export](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106064-a-heap-based-buffer-overflow-was-found-in-gimp-s-gif-export-plug)