Executive brief
OpenImageIO is a widely used library for reading and manipulating image files in the visual effects and animation industries. A security flaw in how it handles HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) images could allow an attacker to crash applications or potentially execute malicious code by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted image file. This could lead to data theft or unauthorized access to systems used in media production pipelines.
Technical details
A heap-based buffer overflow (CWE-122) exists in the HEIF decoder component of OpenImageIO. The vulnerability is triggered by a subimage metadata mismatch during the processing of HEIF files, specifically within the `HeifInput::read_native_scanline` function in `heifinput.cpp`. An attacker can exploit this by providing a maliciously crafted HEIF image that causes an out-of-bounds write during a `memcpy` operation. This requires local execution or user interaction (opening the file) and can result in memory corruption or arbitrary code execution. The issue is resolved in versions 3.0.18.0 and 3.1.13.0.
Affected products
- Academy Software Foundation OpenImageIO < 3.0.18.0, < 3.1.13.0
Timeline
- 2026-05-03: advisory: GitHub advisory published by maintainers
- 2026-05-14: disclosed: CVE published to NVD