# CVE-2026-77496: Windows Imaging Component heap-based buffer overflow

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-77496-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-13. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-77496 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-10-13

Windows Imaging Component, a system library that processes image files, contains a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely over the network. An attacker could exploit this by sending a specially crafted image file to trigger the overflow and gain control of the affected system.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows Imaging Component](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-imaging-component). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-77496 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-77496 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-77496?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 13 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows Imaging Component.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-77496?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-77496 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-77496?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows Imaging Component. 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 heap-based buffer overflow exists in Windows Imaging Component's image processing functionality, allowing remote code execution with network attack vector. The vulnerability requires user interaction (opening a malicious image) but no authentication. Successful exploitation grants arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected process.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows Imaging Component

## Timeline

- 2026-10-13: disclosed

## References

- [https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-77496](https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-77496)

## Related threats

- [Windows Imaging Component heap overflow allows network code execution](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96164-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an)
- [Windows Imaging Component out-of-bounds read information disclosure](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-96859-out-of-bounds-read-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an)
- [Windows Imaging Component heap-based buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-69886-heap-based-buffer-overflow-in-windows-imaging-component-allows-an)
- [Microsoft Windows Imaging Component heap buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-83992-microsoft-windows-imaging-component-heap-buffer-overflow)
- [Microsoft Windows Imaging Component heap buffer overflow](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-77495-microsoft-windows-imaging-component-heap-buffer-overflow)