CVE-2026-3081: GStreamer H.266 codec parser stack-based buffer overflow

CVE-2026-3081 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.8 · Published 2026-03-16

GStreamer, a widely used multimedia framework for handling audio and video, contains a vulnerability in its H.266 video processing component. An attacker could exploit this by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted video file, potentially leading to a complete system compromise or application crash. This could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data or disrupt business operations that rely on media processing.

Technologies: Gstreamer Gst-Plugins-Bad, Gstreamer. Vendors: Gstreamer.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-3081 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-3081 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-3081?
High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 16 March 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
Gstreamer Gst-Plugins-Bad < 1.28.1; Gstreamer < 1.28.1.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-3081?
A patch was published on 2026-02-25: Fix committed to GStreamer repository Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2026-3081 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in a software library.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-3081?
Check whether you run Gstreamer Gst-Plugins-Bad or Gstreamer 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.

Technical details

A stack-based buffer overflow exists in the GStreamer H.266 video bitstream parser, specifically within the gst-plugins-bad package. The flaw occurs during the parsing of 'pic_timing' Supplemental Enhancement Information (SEI) messages due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data lengths before copying to a fixed-length stack buffer. An attacker can exploit this by providing a malicious H.266 video stream, requiring user interaction (e.g., opening a file). Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the process using the library. The issue is addressed in GStreamer version 1.28.1.

Affected products

  • GStreamer gst-plugins-bad < 1.28.1
  • GStreamer GStreamer < 1.28.1

Timeline

  • 2026-02-11: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2026-02-25: patched: Fix committed to GStreamer repository
  • 2026-03-06: advisory: Coordinated public release of ZDI advisory
  • 2026-03-16: advisory: NVD publication date

References

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