# CVE-2026-78465: GIMP file-pcx plugin integer overflow in memory allocation

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-78465-gimp-file-pcx-plugin-integer-overflow-in-memory-allocation  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-24. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-78465 · Severity: high · CVSS 7 · Published 2026-08-24

GIMP is a widely-used image editing software. The PCX image file format plugin contains a flaw that affects 32-bit builds when opening specially crafted image files. An attacker can exploit this to corrupt memory, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution or causing the application to crash.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-78465 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-78465 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-78465?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7, published 24 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** GIMP GIMP.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-78465?** 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-2026-78465 attacked?** It is attacked over the network or with local access, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-78465?** 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

An integer overflow vulnerability exists in GIMP's file-pcx plugin when calculating heap buffer allocation sizes for 32-bit builds. The plugin multiplies image dimensions by the number of color planes; if a crafted PCX file specifies 4 planes with sufficiently large dimensions, this calculation exceeds the 32-bit integer maximum, resulting in an undersized buffer allocation. When the plugin subsequently writes image data to this buffer, a heap-based buffer overflow occurs, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or denial of service. The vulnerability requires processing a specially crafted PCX file and affects only 32-bit GIMP builds.

## Affected products

- GIMP GIMP

## Timeline

- 2026-08-24: disclosed

## References

- [https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp](https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gimp)
- [https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/](https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/package-browser/)

## Related threats

- [GIMP use-after-free in XCF path loader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-112261-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-opening-a-crafted-xcf-that-selects-a)
- [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)
- [GIMP integer overflow in file-pvr plug-in](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-62439-a-flaw-was-found-in-gimp-an-integer-overflow-occurs-in-the-file)
- [GIMP heap buffer overflow in raw data export](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106066-a-heap-based-buffer-overflow-was-found-in-gimp-s-raw-data-export)
- [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)