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

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-3081-gstreamer-h-266-codec-parser-stack-based-buffer-overflow  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-03-16. Updated: 2026-06-30  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

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](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/gst-plugins-bad), [Gstreamer](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/gstreamer). Vendors: [Gstreamer](https://junglewise.ai/threats/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

- [https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/gstreamer/gstreamer/-/commit/2ffdfca2df95a7f605c922d3111e5d5be5314dca](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/gstreamer/gstreamer/-/commit/2ffdfca2df95a7f605c922d3111e5d5be5314dca)
- [https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-162/](https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-26-162/)
- [https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-3081](https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-3081)
- [https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2447494](https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2447494)
- [https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-3081.json](https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-3081.json)

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